Christmas came early for children at a first school as they came face-to-face with a pair of reindeer preparing for a very busy December.

Tracy Pearson, from the Parent Teacher Association at Hillside First School in Verwood, organised the visit from N&J Heavy Horses in Burley.

Jingles, three, and Prancer, eight, delighted the youngsters who learned about the breed.

When asked what reindeer needed big feet for, the children were told ‘for flying’.

Headteacher Dave Graves said: “This was a wonderful experience for the children who had heard all about reindeer, of course, but had not necessarily ever seen one.

“The people who brought them were excellent and gave out lots of information and the children were really engaged.”

Hillside First School is part of Initio Learning Trust.

Liz West, Chief Executive, said: “What a wonderful experience for the children – it is something they’ll remember for a long time.

“I’m sure there was a great deal of excitement when the reindeer arrived.

“It’s great that the PTA organised the visit.

“Parents perform a very special role across all our schools and we’re very grateful to them.”

• https://nandjheavyhorses.co.uk/
• https://www.initiolearning.org/

To get the best of Dorset Biz News straight to your inbox every week, sign up for our newsletter!