On Tuesday 5th December, 50 children from Petteril Bank School were treated to a night they will never forget when they were invited to Pizza Express in Gretna for an evening of Christmas magic.
Each year, Cash for Kids creates this wonderful opportunity for a local school and they approached our Family Learning Mentor, Mrs Lund, to ask whether there was a school that would like to take up the offer. As a new school to the Trust, Mrs Lund thought that Petteril Bank School children would relish the chance to take part.
Generously transported by Cumbria Coaches free of charge, all staff and children were in high spirits as they donned their Christmas outfits and made their way to Gretna. Greeted by Courage the Cat and the Pizza Express staff, the festivities began!
The children had their faces painted, played games, danced to festive songs and, of course, enjoyed tasty pizzas! Even Santa made the journey to Gretna to meet the children and gave them all a special present for Christmas Day.
Jemma Nicholson, Executive Headteacher, commented on the evening, “The school could not be more grateful for this fantastic opportunity. The children had a magical evening and it was lovely to see them enjoying each other’s company in such a special place. All of the organisers involved went above and beyond and this is an moment that will be treasured for many years to come.”
Smiles aplenty, there were even some happy tears shed at how truly magical the evening was. Thank you to Pizza Express Gretna, the Caledonian staff, Cumbria Coaches and Cash for Kids, especially Sara Oldham from Cash for Kids, who gifted the children this experience and created memories that will last a lifetime.