By Sophie Seddon
Santa swapped his sleigh for a restored red London double-decker bus when he made a special stop at a Huddersfield primary school.
Father Christmas hopped aboard a rare Bristol Lodekka at The Mount School in Edgerton.
The iconic vehicle, one of only about two dozen still running in the country, was purchased and restored by Chris Sellers, director and owner of The Mount.
While a small number of schools have adapted buses as libraries or reading spaces, The Mount’s restored red Bristol Lodekka has been created as a permanent, immersive learning space designed to spark imagination, creativity and hands-on exploration.
It’s a space where children can climb aboard, explore and bring learning to life.
The bus made its debut at the Lindley Christmas fair, quickly becoming a community favourite.
Children created willow wands on the top deck, while families gathered downstairs for hot chocolate in a setting styled like a vintage train carriage.
Its second outing came during the school’s annual Christmas fair where Santa and his elves welcomed children aboard the bus.
The wider event featured performances from the school choir and a 25-piece brass band, festive stalls, fairground rides and seasonal treats.
Seven-year-old pupil Valeria Nardone said: “We had a Christmas fun fair at my school and Santa even came to see us on our big red bus. It was really good fun.”
Chris said: “We wanted something bold that reflects our approach. Academic excellence is just the start.
“The bus gives children the chance to explore, create and develop skills they’ll remember forever.”
Now part of the school’s wider commitment to practical learning and life-skills development, the bus will support activities across arts, design and technology, music and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), giving pupils hands-on experiences alongside the national curriculum.
Chris added: “This Christmas, our London bus isn’t just going places. It’s taking childhood to a whole new level.
“We’re looking forward to sharing its journey with you in the new year.”
For more about The Mount School go to www.themount.org.uk
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