SANTA Claus swapped his trusty reindeer for a fire engine recently to deliver very special presents to the children of Princetown Primary School.

Thanks to the collaboration of a number of organisations and businesses, every child at Princetown Primary School received a gift of three books, which focus on the message of mindfulness, using poetry combined with beautiful drawings from a Princetown artist.

Artist Maria Floyd is a new business resident working from the Duchy Business Centre in Princetown. Maria is supporting the school by delivering a framework of art workshops in conjunction with the teachers. The books will form an integral part of the school’s programme, focusing on encouraging the children to engage in art and to reflect on thoughts and feelings about the characters within the books. There will also be an opportunity to meet the author Clare Luther for readings and discussions in the spring term, using the new interactive screens in the classroom.

The retained local fire training team of Simon Beard and Mark Williams were attending the school to deliver fire skills to every child and picked up Santa Claus along the way.

Head teacher Phil Whittley said: ‘Helping our children understand their emotions and being mindful about positive relationships is an essential part of our work. These books will become part of our curriculum of work next term, helping the children to discover a new language as they explore the journey of each character.

‘Having Maria on board to reinforce the messages through art is a unique opportunity for us. I’m learning everyday just how amazing the Princetown community can be. Or drive to provide a gift for every child this Christmas has received overwhelming support. Reinforcing the message of reading at home over the holiday period is magical. For every child to take home their own books from school is surely a dream come true.’

Princetown Primary School expressed thanks to the support of The Rotary Club of Yelverton for funding and providing Father Christmas (Paul Williams), Victory Lodge in Plymouth, the Princetown Christmas Fair, Pan Optic Technology, Tall Grass Books and Maria Floyd.