Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, children at St Julian's School, Wellow, have continued to celebrate the festival of Christmas in new and dynamic ways.

The Christingle, which is used in school plays and nativities all over the world, has become a poignant and significant symbol of the yuletide season since it was introduced into the Church of England over 50 years ago.

School Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said: "St Julian's marked the start of advent with an outdoor Christingle Service. The whole school gathered on the playground in our class bubbles to enjoy a special Christingle celebration. The children proudly held their own Christingles during the service and everyone sang together.

It was wonderful to be together, as a school, enjoying this important celebration."

In the Christian tradition, the Christingle representing the earth and Jesus as the light of the world. The four cocktail sticks with sweets and fruit illustrate God's gifts and the four seasons.

In schools throughout the UK, many Christmas celebrations are still taking place, however all are restricted to class bubbles. For instance, St Julian's in Wellow is producing class Christmas Nativity plays, as opposed to a whole school performance.

For more details visit the St Julian's Church School website www.stjuliansprimary.co.uk or call 01225 833143.