PUPILS at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy got into the festive spirit yesterday as they hosted a special Christmas dinner for the elderly.

Pensioners from all over the area were welcomed with open arms as a fancy spread was laid on by staff and pupils.

Those in attendance were treated to a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings as they donned party hats and pulled crackers in a dress rehearsal for the real thing in less than 20 days' time.

Turkey, sprouts, spuds and gravy were heaped onto plates and tinsel decorations were added to ensure a festive touch.

Rows of tables and chairs filled the school hall and faces were plastered with smiles as pupils became waiters and waitresses for the afternoon.

The diners were even given a few songs from the angelic school choir as they cleaned their plates.

The dinner took place from 2.30pm until 4.30pm and was attended by close to 100 people, all of whom were very grateful for the effort that had been made.

The day rounded off a great year for the school, which saw 78 per cent of students walked away with A*-C GCSE grades in August.

An impressive 91 per cent also achieved the newly introduced target of expected progress between primary and GCSE in maths and English.

The school also saw its best A-level results in the past four years and head of Year 13 Sarah Vaughan described the last 12 months as an 'exceptional year'.