A YOUNGSTER’S Christmas wish came true as the school bell took on a festive feel.

The school bell at The Hub at Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School in Tranent was transformed into jingle bells ahead of the school finishing up for the Christmas break.

Oliver Bannerman’s dad James told the Courier how much it meant to his 10-year-old son, who had passed the idea onto the school’s headteacher Lynsey Blair.

He said: “He was absolutely over the moon.

“He was glowing from ear to ear.

“He went round to the headteacher and she said she was so proud of his idea.”

Mrs Blair had shared the idea on social media and tagged East Lothian Council’s head of education, Nicola McDowell, and the executive director of education and children’s services, Lesley Brown.

The following day, Oliver, who has autism, received a letter from the council praising him for the festive idea.

The letter reads: “Mrs Blair got in touch with me yesterday to tell me that you have had a really good Christmas idea. She told me that you would like to turn your school bell into jingle bells because it’s nearly Christmas.

“I think this is a great idea. I am sure Santa and Rudolph will agree too.

“They will be getting ready to leave Lapland soon and I know they like hearing great ideas like yours too!

“If you listen really carefully, maybe one day before Christmas you will hear jingle bells instead of the school bell – you never know!

“I know that you and your friends will all be getting really excited about Christmas.

“I hope that you have a lovely time (and let me know if you do hear jingle bells one day!).

“Happy Christmas Oliver!”

Sure enough, on the last day of term, Oliver’s Christmas wish came true.

Youngsters at the school lined the corridor ringing bells and hearing the festive sound.

James and his family live in Ormiston and he added: “We have no idea where it came from.

“His imagination just goes wild!”

Mrs McDowell was glad to spread a little bit of festive cheer.

She said: “When Oliver shared his lovely idea to turn the school bells into jingle bells, the team at Sanderson’s Wynd and the Hub were only too happy to find a way to make it happen.

“We’re all really grateful to Oliver for his suggestion and to all the children for taking part.

“The jingle bells made the last day of term very special and brought a lot of joy to the school and the wider community.”

The Hub is part of Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School and provides support for primary aged children in East Lothian who have severe and complex additional support needs.