THE noise of excited children reached a crescendo at the Christmas party for key stage one pupils at St Matthew's School in Blackmoor.

For Oak and Apple classes there were a variety of games, cakes and drinks, with party music to complete the atmosphere.

Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) members Hayley Keet and Emma Peters had worked hard to create a snowball-throwing game and a pin-the-nose-on-the-snowman contest, and each class took turns to play them.

And everyone joined in musical statues and musical bumps to round off an exhilarating and exhausting afternoon.

In the evening, older pupils attended a disco, organised by the PTFA and run under the watchful eye of Lorraine McDermott.

Duncan Sanders, chairman of the PTFA, said: "These events are all about fun for the children, rather than raising funds, and I'm delighted to say both can be declared a great success."