Schoolchildren have been raising money for two important causes.

It has been a busy end to the year at Dean Valley Community Primary School.

In recent weeks the school held a fair to help fund improvements to the field while staff and children got dancing to raise money for East Cheshire Hospice.

Headteacher Vicky McPherson said: "The last year really has flown by and the first term of the academic year 24-25 has seen our children and staff work incredibly hard and have a lot of fun.

"It is definitely time for a break for the children - there are some very tired children in school currently (staff too!)

"I wish you all a very happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year."

Pupils paid a visit to East Cheshire Hospice (Credit: Dean Valley Community Primary School)

Friday, December 6, saw the 2024 Christmas Fair in full swing, with an array of games, raffles, bottle bolas, a chocolate bola, food and a bar.

The event raised over £3,000 which will go towards improving the quality of the school field.

This, combined with an anonymous £1,000 donation and £1,000 raised through cake sales, takes the total raised so far to £5,000.

Mrs McPherson added: "The field is a huge project, but one we are very excited about as this will impact every child and our local community.

"We have teamed up with Bollington United and were very grateful for the support shown to the school by David Spruce and Louis, we will see a fundraiser totaliser appear in the entrance hall after Christmas and hope to reach our goal of £40,000 so that we can improve the quality of our field and surrounding grounds."

On Wednesday, December 11, the reception class and KS1 pupils performed the 'Christmas Jigsaw' for parents, grandparents and local nurseries.

Mrs McPherson said: "They did an incredible job showing themselves to be confident performers who enjoyed every moment of being on stage.

"It is a huge thing to take part in a performance and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our children who learn their lines, rehearse dances and know when they need to be on and off stage - a mini Broadway performance once again."

The Reindeer Rush danceathon (Credit: Dean Valley Community Primary School)

The following day the whole school took part in the East Cheshire Hospice Reindeer Rush danceathon, raising over £2,000 for the charity.

Meanwhile, year six pupils paid a visit to the hospice to sing a selection of Christmas carols for patients, visitors and staff.

The year came to a close with a celebration assembly on Monday, December 16, where staff shared the reasons they chose specific children to win celebration jumpers.

There were also 100 per cent attendance awards handed out to 75 children along.

Meanwhile, year five pupil Mirabelle was announced as the winner of the Christmas Mobile competition.

Mirabelle won the school's Christmas Mobile competition (Credit:Dean Valley Community Primary School)