A DASH by a Barrhead primary school was sleigh bother for a pair of reindeer to the delight of excited pupils.

Last week youngsters from St Mark’s Primary enjoyed a surprise visit from Princess and Pongo, who stopped by to help spread some early Christmas cheer.

The treat was arranged by the school’s parent council, who sent a special letter requesting Ayrshire Reindeer drop by for the day.

All the classes from P1 to P7 had the chance to see the reindeer and were given slots to meet them throughout the day.

Gillian Hamilton, principal teacher at St Mark’s Primary, told the Barrhead News: “It was a fantastic surprise from the parent council.

“One of the teachers’ children had a similar visit from reindeer at their school which went down very well, so that inspired the parents to run a similar event here.

“Santa also paid a visit to the little ones from P1 to P3 which was an added bonus.

“None of the kids or parents knew about it, they were just told that there would be a festive surprise happening at the school.”

All pupils got to meet the reindeer and have their photo taken with them.

And it wasn’t just the kids that were getting stuck into the festive fun as teachers couldn’t resist getting a selfie with Santa’s reindeer either.

Ms Hamilton said: “When I asked the kids none of them could guess what the surprise would be but they absolutely loved it and were hyper all day.

“The teachers were just as excited as the kids as it was the first time many had ever seen a real reindeer up close.

“The reindeer were brilliant, they were so calm and good natured even though they were there from 9am to 3pm.

“Even the company who brought along the reindeer were great, dressing up as elves and getting everyone into the festive spirit.”

The Yuletide of festive fun doesn’t end there for St Mark’s pupils though, as youngsters also got involved in a pantomime and a festive fair during the same week.

Parents are also looking forward to attending the school nativity show which will take place on Tuesday, December 12, and Thursday, December 14.

There will also be class parties and carol singalongs.