Chailey Heritage Foundation celebrates Christmas holidays

Students at the Chailey Heritage Foundation in North Chailey, near Lewes, received a surprise visit from Santa as a series of events were organized to mark the beginning of the Christmas holidays.

Headmaster Simon Yates said: “We have planned a number of festive events which our students absolutely loved.

Students participated in a variety of activities from pantomimes to wreath making.

Anastasia, a student at Chailey, receives a visit from Santa Claus (Image: Chailey Heritage Foundation)

This included a sensual Polar Express experience, filming the 12-day Christmas video in Makaton and festive dancing.

Mr Yates said: “You could see by the many smiling faces that everyone was having a great time.

“The Polar Express sensory experience was a particular highlight as the conductor came by to validate their tickets and they took the train to the North Pole.

“The students enjoyed hot chocolate and refreshments on the train, felt the cold crisp snow and witnessed the Northern Lights.

“Eventually they arrived and gathered around the Christmas tree to listen to Christmas music.

“It really brought Christmas to life for everyone.”

The charity thanks its staff, volunteers and young people for all their hard work this year and wishes them a ‘fantastic’ holiday season.