Serried ranks of Santa helped set up the festive season with a swing on Sunday evening.

Royston Crow: Garden House Hospice Santa singalong at Hitchin Boys SchoolGarden House Hospice Santa singalong at Hitchin Boys School (Image: (c)Studio66Photography)

The singalong fundraiser in aid of Garden House Hospice – which cares for those from North Herts and Stevenage – saw grown-ups in the audience decked out like Father Christmas while youngsters were togged up like reindeer with flashing noses.

The Stevenage Male Voice Choir, the children of Letchworth’s St Thomas More Primary School and community musical group Singing Aloud took to the stage at Hitchin Boys’ School to lead the singing.

If was the first time the fundraiser has been held, and proved to be a great success.

One happy Santa leaving the Grammar School Walk venue said: “We have had such a good time, lots of fun and are now really ready for Christmas. That was great – thank you!”

Pictures by Teresa Whyte, Studio 66 Photography.