A DARLINGTON primary school is ushering in the festive season with a stocking full of events.

Skerne Park Primary School, which will enter a partnership with Hummersknott Academy early next year, has hosted three interpretations of the nativity story, with its early years, infants and juniors all putting their own spin on it.

Aside from the traditional festivities, pupils also battled it out to find the school’s king or queen of Christmas songs, when they took part in the ‘Xmas Factor’.

Christmas will be officially welcomed in at Skerne Park when the pupils, parents and teachers lend their voices to the final event, the annual Christmas carol service on December 21.

Headteacher Kate Chisholm said: “The events we have hosted in the build up to Christmas have a special place in the hearts of the pupils and staff alike.

“The celebrations help build the Christmas spirit, as well as educating the pupils on the nativity and the reasons why we celebrate Christmas.

“Christmas is a very special time of year and we are committed to making it as memorable and enjoyable as possible for pupils, parents and teachers alike.”

Hummersknott Academy’s sponsorship of Skerne Park comes into effect next year, with the primary school being re-named Skerne Park Academy.

Academy status means that a school is independent of local authority control and makes all decisions on how its budget is spent and how it implements the national curriculum.