THE Christmas countdown is on in Hedge End.

More than 100 students at Wildern School put their Christmas jumpers on on Friday to get into the festive spirit and serve food at the German Christmas Market they organised.

The event took place just outside the d.@rt centre.

Students and staff enjoyed a day of un and lost of traditional food including bratwurst, pretzel and hot chocolate.

They also had the chance to meet Santa Claus and write him letters in German.

Directed by the department of modern foreign languages at Wildern School. the event aimed at celebrating Christmas together and give youngsters the chance to put their languages skills into practice.

Liz Lea, director of learning for modern foreign languages at Wildern, said: " Students enjoyed the day. It's hugely important to organise these events. We are trying to make them global citizens and make them aware of the world around them."

During the morning of fun, students had also the chance to sing Christmas Carols together and get involved in the several challenges, including decorating the gingerbread man.

" They loved taking part in the challenge and everybody felt very Christmassy" Ms Lea said.

Meanwhile staff members had the opportunity to win prices donated by the Hedge End-based Marks and Spencer by taking part in a raffle.

The money raised through the sale of the tickets will now be used to fund theatre groups who will performing at the school next year.

" The theatre groups will be performing in different languages so students can learn and enjoy new languages in a different way. This will enable us to give extra language enrichment to students."

Ms Lea also said the Christmas market at the school will be held again next year and it will be "bigger and better."