CREATIVE youngsters at a Basingstoke junior school turned their hand to making Christmas craft items.

The pupils at South View, in Shooters Way, were joined by their parents for the activity, which included making pomanders – an orange studded with cloves to make them smell nice.

Sainsbury’s in Hatch Warren donated 100 oranges for children and their parents to use for the activity, after Year 6 pupils wrote persuasive letters to the supermarket asking for the fruit.

The workshops were held throughout the day, with children from different year groups taking part.

The activities were offered under the Extended Schools programme, which provides activities and services outside of the normal school curriculum.

Nearly 100 pupils took part, and 34 parents came along to also enjoy the crafts with their children.

The workshops included making Christmas decorations from salt dough and baubles using split pins.

Kay Young, a Year 6 teacher at the school, said: “The pupils had a really fantastic time. They loved it and the parents got involved.

“One of the governors visited as well and helped out.”