THE air was full of Christmas cheer at the council headquarters last week when the voices of children from an Alloa school elevated everyone's spirits.

Young people from Park Primary School were in the Kilncraigs atrium, singing festive tunes to the Ice Queen, Provost Tina Murphy, in a bid to summon Santa.

And Father Christmas duly parked the sleigh and his famous herd of reindeer on the roof of the council building, ringing the bells as he walked down to the ground floor and delighting the pupils.

It was clear the children rehearsed hard ahead of the event and sang their songs brilliantly, with some pieces even incorporating Makaton signing.

Meanwhile, the Ice Queen and Santa had a brilliant time, bringing smiles to faces with their hilarious exchanges in front of the pupils, visitors from support services and the staff that gathered around.

The young people were excited to meet Santa and were asking various questions.

Santa did indicate that pupils from Park Primary were at the top of the good list, but they would need to keep up the good behaviour all the way to Christmas Day if they wanted to receive presents instead of a lump of coal.

The young people all received certificates and a bag full of gifts was given to teachers for distribution.

Provost Murphy later told the Advertiser: "It was delightful to meet the children from Park Primary School; we also visited Sunnyside Primary.

"Seeing the smiles on children's faces was very touching.

"We mustn't lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas and mustn't forget that some families are struggling to put food on the table.

"Nevertheless, we are remembering it's the birth of Christ we are celebrating and I wish everyone a peaceful and merry Christmas and a happy new year."