There will be festive cheer for pupils at a South Craven primary school after an appeal to save its nativity and Christmas fair.

Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School asked for help after asbestos was found in the cellar and it had to throw out nativity costumes stored there.

Rosie Chew, chairman of the school’s Friends Association, was heartbroken that Christmas events might suffer and issued an appeal to the community for material for Santa’s grotto and nativity costumes.

She also asked for gifts, toys, chocolates and small items that could be used as prizes at the Christmas fair.

Sutton villagers rallied round with donations to provide some festive cheer.

Mrs Chew said: “Quite a few people have come in to give us monetary donations or bits and pieces for the costumes.’’ Two people have visited to measure the children for new costumes, local businesses have come forward with items for the fair and Sutton Parish Council has pitched in with a donation of £100.

Mrs Chew said: “It’s been such a good response. The children are thrilled and they’re all getting excited.”

Sutton Community Primary School’s Christmas fair will be held tomorrow between 11am and 1.30pm in the school hall.

People can also help to raise funds for the school by shopping online at thegivingmachine.co.uk.