SCHOOLCHILDREN helped bring Christmas cheer to the new town of Sherford during a recent visit, and got to sing carols for a very special guest.

More than 50 children, parents and staff from Woodlands Park and Stowford primaries in Ivybridge and Yealmpton primary were invited to the new town for a festive celebration.

Special guests of the Sherford Consortium, the group visited the town’s first homes, and found a suitable audience for their carols in Father Christmas.

The children performed a selection of seasonal songs in front of consortium members, parents and school staff as well as Father Christmas, before receiving presents from the man in red.

The Sherford Consortium, made up of builders Taylor Wimpey, Bovis Homes and Linden Homes also made a charitable donation to the schools.

On behalf of the Ivybridge Academy Trust, Helen Tipping said: ’The children were very excited to visit Sherford, and have been practising their carols for the past couple of weeks – even choosing a song about constructing new places.

’It has also been a good opportunity to educate them about the town, as well as to come together as a community to celebrate Christmas.’

Sherford Consortium member Wayne Bennett said: ’This is the first Christmas Sherford has been ‘open’ to the public and what better way to mark the occasion than with carol singers from the neighbouring area. Seeing the children on site is a testament to how far the community has come in just the past year – and we look forward to celebrating the next Sherford milestone in 2017.

’It is fantastic to see local children getting involved and taking an interest in the Sherford development. As it continues to grow, there will be new facilities, including playing fields and green spaces for everyone to use and enjoy, making it an asset to the region and local families.’