Colourful wool has been used to decorate a primary school tree to raise funds to buy presents for those in need this Christmas.

Year 3 pupils at Harpenden Academy, in Vaughan Road, Harpenden, have mastered the art of yarn bombing to support a range of different causes.

Each term the school organises a community event and this term they decided to be creative and get into the Christmas spirit.

Children made pompoms and plaits out of wool to be used as decorations and families from the school collected money by the yarn bombed tree.

As a result, they have received almost £300 and hope to buy puzzles for children in hospital and blankets for newborn babies. In addition, they will use the money to buy food for stray cats and dogs, footballs for African schools and hope to fund a trip to the seaside for disadvantaged children.

Year 3 teacher, Katherine Haines, said: “As a new school it is great to put ourselves out there in the community and we are so pleased the event has been such a success after all the hard work put in by the school council and school community.

“I love everything to do with art and have thoroughly enjoyed working with all members of the school community and meeting so many lovely people from Harpenden through this event.”

A collection pot was placed in the entrance hall of the school and everyone was invited to look at the tree and leave a donation if they wish.