Christmas usually comes just once a year - but not for children at Willows School in Basildon, who have only just enjoyed their festive dinner!
It's a cracker - pupils wait for Santa after sharing their festive dinner with firemen. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 86M3Q10
But despite the smiles, there is a devastating reason behind the late celebrations. The school, in Church Road, missed its original festive dinner because of a suspected arson attack.
Headteacher June Amran said: "They talk about it quite frequently and we have tried to be positive."
As well as the dinner, more than 500 pupils welcomed the fire crew who tackled the huge blaze at the school last year, with a round of applause.
Published Friday, March 22, 2002
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