Pupils from schools in Denbighshire, Gwynedd and Conwy helped to reunite Sara the Squirrel with Santa Claus, when Christmas came early to Forestry Commission Wales woodlands across the three counties.
Father Christmas took time out from hi
s hectic schedule to meet 310 children from 16 schools who have been visiting over a period of eight days as part of FC Wales's Yuletide festivities.
Participating schools included: Ysgol Clocaenog; Ysgol Cyffylliog; St Asaph VP infants School; Ysgol Caer Drewyn, Corwen; Ysgol Llandrillo; Ysgol Maes Hyfryd, Cynwyd; Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan; Ysgol Llangwm and Ysgol Dinmael.
On their arrival in the woods Sara the Squirrel, Forestry Commission Wales' education team's official mascot, greeted the children aged between three and seven and asked for their help to find the bearded one.
With Sara as their guide, the children collected food for the ravenous squirrel and put their construction skills to good use, helping to build a dray for her to sleep in.
The children then set off on Santa's trail, where hidden Christmas riddles and messages from Santa gave them clues as to where to find him.
Having reached the end of the trail, the children sang a song to awaken a snoozing Santa!
Having promised to go to bed early on Christmas Eve and to leave out mince pies, milk and from one child, a drink of Baileys, the children each received a gift from Santa before leaving him and Sara the Squirrel in his Christmas grotto and heading back to school.
Jointly organised by FC Wales education officers Ffion Hughes and Helen John, the visits have been a great success.
The children from each participating school have been invited to enter a competition by drawing a picture to depict their visit to the woods.
The winner will receive a Forestry Commission Wales 'goody bag' and win a free bus for his / her class to come out on a woodland visit in 2008.
Helen John said: "We want to give the children the chance to meet Santa and show them where their real Christmas trees come from.
"We're really grateful to Santa for giving up some of his time during this busy festive season!"
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