THERE was a “real buzz” around Fishcross Primary as the school hosted a jam-packed Christmas Fayre earlier this month.

Pupils’ parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles joined members of the community on Tuesday, December 6, to help launch the festive season.

The event was arranged by the parents group and the school, with extra help coming from Forth Valley College and Santa and Mrs Claus themselves.

In the end, a total of £861 was raised – a fantastic achievement for a school with a roll of just 84 pupils.

There was a range of stalls set out, with the classes all making a little something to sell on the day.

Also on offer was free some face-painting, the ever-popular Santa’s Grotto, and some refreshments.

In addition, a handful of S5 pupils from Alloa Academy came along to showcase their self-made candles, having set up a business for their own class.

Christine Dolan, temporary chair of the school’s parent council, said: “For such a small school, there is such a great community spirit.

“Parents all donated lots of prizes, and we had grannies, uncles and aunties all coming along to buy things and support us.

“There was one woman – she had kids at the school 20 years ago, but she came along to the fayre anyway.

“It’s something that really took my breath away this year. Despite our size, we still get as much support from our community as the bigger schools.”

While applauding all those who helped make the fayre possible, Christine gave special thanks to the volunteers from the college for doing the free face-painting, and to Santa and Mrs Claus, who also give up their time at this busy time of year.

The money raised from the event will be put back into the school to help fund outings and anything the youngsters need.

Headteacher Jess Kemp said: “It was the first one we had held in a few years, and it was very well attended by parents, grandparents, and members of the local community.

“There was a real buzz around the school, and there were lots of positive comments as everyone was leaving.

“The total raised is certainly not bad at all, given that we are such a small school.”