AN ENCHANTED Santa's Grotto, a chocolate fountain and a giant Scalextric were enjoyed by the crowds of people who turned up to a Christmas fair in Harpenden today.

The fete was held at Crabtree School in Crabtree Lane, Harpenden.

Stalls selling cakes, toys, books, arts and crafts were run by pupils and parents who offered to help out.

A host of other activities were laid on including a win the bike competition, nail painting and a children's tombola with plenty of goodies up for grabs.

But youngsters desperate to perch on Santa's knee and share their Christmas wish lists queued patiently to visit him in a magical hand-crafted grotto, filled with twinkling lights and illuminous reindeers.

One tiny source told reporter Alexandra Barham as she waited in line to meet Father Christmas that his magical cavern took almost nine hours to build.

A Year six pupil, Alex Ormston, ten, of Wordsworth Road, Harpenden, said: "It brings people from outside the school and everyone in the school comes together. There's lots of things that happen and there's lots of people who come and support the school.

"I think Santa's grotto this year is really cool."

Fellow year six pupil Sean Hynes of Marques Road added: "Everything is really good. Today is about raising money for the school and it's a great event, all my friends are here, which makes it really fun."

Year four pupil Sophie Batten, nine, of Dalkeith Road, told the Review as she emerged from Santa's grotto that she had requested a puppy for Christmas, despite her mum's objections.

Claire Ormston, treasurer for the school's parents Association, which organsies and runs the bazaar, said: "Today is the firing starter gun of the Christmas season for the kids and parents at Crabtree School.

"It's something for the kids and gets them into the Christmas spirit."

Headteacher Ian Pattrick, who was welcoming visitors into the fete at the entrance, said: "It's a significant fundraising event for the school and the school is incredibly proud and appreciative of the Parents' Association's fundraising efforts over the last year, particularly today.

"The atmosphere is electric, it's been one of biggest events so far. It's a great community event for Harpenden."

The fete is an annual event in the school's calendar and helps to raise money for equipment and various projects.

Money raised from this year's bazaar will be used to complete the refurbishment of the infant school playground and some will be invested into building a stage in the junior department.

Organisers are hoping they can beat last year's £4,000 collection.