Children became a part of the nativity story at their activity-filled Christmas theme day supported by the community in Eastcote.

Pupils at Grangewood School in Fore Street who have severe learning difficulties and physical and complex needs, learnt about the festive season on a nature trail through Ruislip Woods, designed to bring the nativity to life.

With the help of secondary school students at Haydon School in Wiltshire Lane, Eastcote, some of the Grangewood pupils dressed up to play the parts of different characters in the story.

A music group from Haydon also played songs to welcome the children into school.

Ruislip Park Stables, also based in Fore Street, provided a pony for the nativity scene and Appreciating Animals - a mobile farm in Chesham - brought sheep to add an air of authenticity to the story.

A Christmas theme day would not be complete without an appearance from Father Christmas himself, who brought his reindeer along to meet the children.

Some even had a go at feeding the reindeer carrots to give them energy before their big trip on December 24.

Each class at the school for children aged three to 11 made festive food and the Speech and Language Therapy Team helped youngsters to communicate what they would like to try.

Sensory experiences allowed pupils to explore the different elements of Christmas through a variety of textures, sounds and visual elements.

Ruislip Manor businesses Busby’s and Manor Carpets gave generous donations to the school to support the Christmas day and staff worked extremely hard to create the innovative learning opportunity.