NORTH Cerney Primary School Christmas Fair was a huge success this year raising more than £3,000 for the school.

The Fair was held in the newly-refurbished village hall and organised by the North Cerney School Association (NCSA).

The recession-busting sum was a new record for the school and funds raised will be used to improve the school’s buildings and resources to enhance the pupil’s future education.

Pupils from the school put on a mini concert for the crowds singing as a choir on stage and shoppers were able to buy handmade Christmas presents from stalls and enjoy mulled wine and hotdogs.

There was a Santa’s Grotto where the youngsters met Father Christmas and tickets for a raffle were sold which included a huge hamper and a £200 cash prize.

A real recipe for success on the day was a cook book including family favourites from parents, teachers and villagers along with contributions from ex-pupil, Hugh Fernley Whittingstall and Cotswold Chef, Rob Rees.

Copies of the recipe book are still available to buy at Octavia's Bookshop on Blackjack Street in Cirencester, with all proceeds going to the school.

The biggest fundraiser at the fair was the silent auction where supporters participated in bidding from a huge list of generously donated prizes including a wing walking experience donated by Rendcomb Aerodrome and a day in a recording studio courtesy of Windmill Studios.

Kate Thomas, chair of the NCSA said: “We were absolutely delighted to see so many well wishers at the fair this year. We were bowled over by the number of local businesses and villagers who kindly donated prizes for our raffle and silent auction and we would like to thank everyone involved for their generosity and time.

“Our community all pulled together and proved that although small, North Cerney Primary is more than capable of raising significant amounts of money that will really help our brilliant school continue to be just that, absolutely brilliant.”