THE gym hall was well and truly decked with boughs of holly as Hillview Primary held its Christmas fair.

Pupils, parents and teachers gathered at the Barrhead school for some festive fun last Saturday.

As well as the usual merry mix of singing, dancing and games, the event provided the youngsters with an ideal opportunity to make a start on their Christmas shopping.

Rows of gift stalls were stocked full of presents and there was also home baking and refreshments to keep the seasonal shoppers well fed and watered.

And no Christmas fair is complete without a visit from Santa himself.

Mr and Mrs Claus spent time chatting about wish lists with the kids and posing for pictures in a makeshift grotto, bedecked in fairy lights and tinsel.

Julie Given, chairwoman of Hillview Primary Parent Council, told the Barrhead News the fair had been a tree-mendous success.

She said: “We had Santa and Mrs Claus there for the children to visit and get a gift and a picture taken.

“There were lots of Christmas arts and crafts and games, with prizes to be won.

“We also had a raffle and tombola. You can still buy tickets for the raffle and the winners will be drawn at our carol concert.

“It was organised by the parent council but the staff, like the headteacher, Janette Black, were very supportive.”

The Hillview Primary Christmas fair raffle includes vouchers for Cafe Aurs and a Lloyd’s perfume gift set.

Tickets can be bought directly from the school.