CHILDREN and parents were left speechless when arriving at an Andover school on Monday after kind-hearted staff decided to spread a little festive joy.

Portway Infants School, on Ashfield Road, had secretly set up a winter wonderland in the school playground over the course of the weekend.

The Christmas decorations came as a complete surprise to youngsters and their guardians who were left overjoyed at the school gates.

Parent Kelly Miall said her daughter Tierney, who is a pupil at the school, was so excited, her face lit up.

She told The Advertiser: “What a fantastic way to start a Monday morning and the start of December.

“Portway always go above and beyond and that shows in the fantastic winter wonderland display they have put on for their pupils and families.

“They treat the children as if they were their own and after a rubbish year for all it brought tears to my eyes to see such a beautiful and thoughtful display.

“My daughter Tierney was so excited and overwhelmed her little face lit up and it was heart warming to see the joy it has brought to everyone.”

Little ones could sit in Santa’s sleigh or visit a present train. There were also festive teepees and snowmen dotted around the entrance.