THE first Aggborough and Spennells community Christmas event was “better than ever anticipated”.

The fun day, at Heronswood Primary School and Spennells Youth Centre on Saturday, December 11, was attended by about 300 people.

The night before, helpers prepared the centre ready to welcome Santa and Captain Jack Sparrow, who opened the festivities.

Residents enjoyed craft and gift stalls, a tombola and a raffle and sampled Bavarian foods including freshly-made waffles.

In the afternoon, Santa arrived on his sleigh and joined children of Heronwood Primary School in singing carols before they went to sing for residents at Herons Park Nursing Home.

Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier presented 2010 Good Citizen awards to children of Aggborough and Spennells who helped with community litter picks throughout the year.

The event was organised by Aggborough and Spennells Community Connect (ASCC), Heronswood Parent Teacher Association and Worcestershire County Council Youth Support.

A founding member of ASCC, Ian Siddall said: “It was absolutely fantastic, better than we could ever have anticipated. It’s all about community and that’s what we are trying to highlight. We would just like to thank everybody involved and the residents of Aggborough and Spennells for supporting the event.”

The Conservative MP said: “It was a great day and credit goes to Ian and all who organised it. It was a real honour for me to be able to hand out the certificates for the children who have been involved in the litter picks, they are an example to everyone. It’s activities like this that just go to show the Big Society is alive and well in Kidderminster.”

To view photos from the day and to listen to a recording of children from Heronswood Primary School singing Jingle Bells visit asccus.org