SCHOOL pupils have hosted a special Christmas dinner to get to know their community.

Wrexham Pupil Referral Services held a Christmas Dinner for local pensioners and community members.

The school moved from the old Dodds Lane, Gwersyllt, site to their new Penycae site in September 2018 where it is hoped close links can be forged with the surrounding community.

Deputy headteacher Stephen Bell said: “Our school caters primarily for pupils who have been, or are at risk of permanent exclusion.

“We are also expanding our provision of alternative curriculum placements across the borough in partnership with our schools.”

“We aim to be a central hub of community activity and support in our local area and are working closely with community agencies and representatives such as Age Connect, the police and other local schools such as Penycae Primary School sending in their pupil choir to entertain all with a selection of Christmas hits.

“The organisation of the event has been a collaborative affair between staff and pupils.

“Our pupils have come up with some great ideas such as providing musical entertainment on arrival for the guests, with two pupils learning to play the guitar especially for this.

“In addition pupils provided entertainment throughout the dinner. The pupils have also been busy prepping food for the last few weeks for the big meal. The kitchen has been a constant hive of activity.

“We also made contact with local businesses to help us and have been delighted that the Co-op in Johnstown kindly donated a very generous selection of Christmas biscuits.” Mr Bell added: “It is the first of a series of catering events where we intend to give something back to our community.

“We plan to lay on a number of coffee mornings, in addition to some theme afternoons and evenings throughout 2019.”