Santa's surprise visit for Northamptonshire explorers who raised more than £4,000 on 'walk' to Lapland

A school of young Northamptonshire explorers who have raised thousands of pounds for the county's disadvantaged children had a very jolly visitor last week.

Last month, the boys and girls of West Haddon Endowed CE Primary School set out on an expedition to "walk" the 1,400 miles from their Daventry District school to Lapland in a mission to visit Santa.

But in just four weeks, the young adventurers have gone above and beyond by smashing their target and clocking up over 4,000 miles between them.Because of them, hundreds of children and families who have had a difficult year will still be able to enjoy a special Christmas next week.

Headteacher David Rosevear said: "It's totally beyond what we imagined.

"The children set off on their walk to Lapland and smashed their target in the first week.

"We've been really proud of the children's achievements and all of West Haddon who have joined in together for the cause.

"There's been a good feel around the school because the children are excited about their achievements.

"We thought we would be lucky to even meet the thousand pound mark but we're delighted. It's beaten all expectations."

In total, the young explorers walked, ran, cycled and skated an incredible 4,177 miles, and raised an astounding £4,230.

And the money has been match funded by Barclays and have doubled the total up to £8,460.

The fundraising will be split between the Faraway Children's Charity, which delivers presents to disadvantaged children in Northamptonshire through the county council's social workers, and the school's own PTA.

But in a shocking surprise, the boys and girls of West Haddon had a visit from Father Christmas himself last week to thank them for all they have done.

After the children made it to Lapland in just the first week of their expedition, they received a new mission and set off for the North Pole to help Santa after one of his reindeer went missing.

"I normally send one of my senior elves to these events," Father Christmas told the Chronicle & Echo. "It's a busy time of year after all. But I felt I should come and collect my reindeer in person after everyone worked so hard to bring him home.

"I'm so grateful. Everyone in West Haddon is on the nice list this year."

The visit on December 10 was a chance for the children to meet Santa and the reindeer they worked so hard to bring home.

One young explorer, Lexi, said: "I've been walking around the reservoir and around my house. I'm really happy I get to meet Santa."

One of the expedition's co-ordinators Adele Robertson said: "We want to thank Barclays for matching the funding, as well as Park End Farm for everything they have done and all the parents, teachers and grandparents of West Haddon who got involved to make this something special. It was wonderful how everyone in the village got behind the idea."