HARD work and positive attitudes were rewarded when Oakfield Primary School pupils enjoyed a visit to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Around 60 children were treated to a festive experience on their last day of the winter term, thanks to the school's Golden Ticket scheme.

Richard Hale, commercial manager at the railway, was contacted by Vikki Reader, head of school at Oakfield, who explained the school had been let down and were left at a loss about what to do at such short notice for the children.

Keen to help, Mr Hale offered the school children a visit to see Santa, and spend time in the winter wonderland, before taking a steam train ride.

He said: “Every child deserves something special at Christmas, and we were really pleased to help make these children's Christmas and ensure they received the treat they deserved.”

Mrs Reader said: "The Golden Ticket was introduced in 2018 as a way of acknowledging positive attitudes toward school life.

"Thanks to the kind acts of the team at the railway, our Christmas wish really did come true, and the children got to enjoy a wonderful afternoon and make memories to last a lifetime."