A HELENSBURGH parent-teacher association had a sell-out Christmas Fayre raising more than £2,500.

Hermitage Academy PTA hosted the festive event on Saturay to raise money which will help pupils at the school take part in extra-curricular activities.

There were more than 80 stalls selling a huge variety of crafts, gifts, homemade cake and even face painting.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Alice and Matilda Young with Finlay PotterAlice and Matilda Young with Finlay Potter (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Caitlin Crooks Caitlin Crooks (Image: Newsquest)

And for the first time, the PTA team also provided festive crafts and games so that there was plenty for kids to do.

It was a great family day out for families in the area as there was a Santa's grotto which was kindly provided by Lomond Rotary club and a free reindeer hunt.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Alison Sturgeon put on her festive dress for the eventAlison Sturgeon put on her festive dress for the event (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Brian Averell, Sue Palmer and Richard Horrell put a smile on everyone's faces with their jumpersBrian Averell, Sue Palmer and Richard Horrell put a smile on everyone's faces with their jumpers (Image: Newsquest)

PTA chair Gill Simpson told the Advertiser: "Once again there was an amazing atmosphere with folk of all ages enjoying the stalls, the games and the entertainment.

"We had so many people tell us how much they enjoyed hearing the students perform some of the numbers from the school show - although it was music from Grease rather than Christmas songs, it still really got everyone swinging and swaying in the aisles!

"It was a proper community event. The vast majority of our stallholders were local crafters or organisations which was really nice, and we were also delighted to have lots of students involved.

"We had the S6 prom committee and charity committee raising funds as well as members of the LGBTQ group SAGE and pupils from the Henna Club."

Helensburgh Advertiser: Ella Johnson Ella Johnson (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Erin certainly enjoyed herself Erin certainly enjoyed herself (Image: Newsquest)

Gill added: "It was great to be able to involve local community organisations. Jean's Bothy ran a tea stand for us while the Lomond Rotary Club created the most amazing Santa's grotto for the youngest visitors and a thank you to The Toy Shop.

"Over the years the PTA Christmas Fair has become the biggest craft fair of the year in Helensburgh and it just keeps getting bigger and better.

"We are really grateful to everyone who helped make it a huge success - the parents who gave raffle donations, the support we got from the school, the volunteers who helped out on the day and of course everyone who braved the weather to come along and enjoy all the fun of the fair!"

Helensburgh Advertiser: Islay Cowan and Zofia LesniewskaIslay Cowan and Zofia Lesniewska (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Helensburgh Autism Awareness had a stall at the eventHelensburgh Autism Awareness had a stall at the event (Image: Newsquest)

Refreshments were also provided by the S6 prom team who are raising money for their leaving celebrations next year.

The PTA has now launched a Secret Santa Shop for the children - an opportunity to get a gift for a loved one that is a complete surprise.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Santa with Niamh, Rowan and MorvenSanta with Niamh, Rowan and Morven (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Sarah and Heather from Pink SaltSarah and Heather from Pink Salt (Image: Newsquest)

For more information and announcements on upcoming events see the Hermitage Academy PTA page on Facebook.