SLEIGH bells rang at a Port Glasgow school as hundreds of people got into the Christmas spirit — kicked off by former Scotland football ace Tom Boyd.

The countdown to the festive season was kicked off in fine style at St Stephen's High as folk of all ages gathered for a Yuletide fete.

Ex-Celtic icon Tom opened the event, and enjoyed the occasion so much he stayed for most of the day chatting to revellers and posing for pictures.

Sharon McKenna, faculty head of social subjects organised the fete with colleague Simon Graham.

She said: "Hugh Stewart, who works in the support for learning department, contacted Celtic and Tom came along.

"He was fabulous as we thought he would just be there for a short time to open the fete but he stayed to mingle and chat with people — he was really friendly."

Ms McKenna added: "It was fantastic, it went really well.

"We were delighted with the number of people who turned up to support us."

Pupils had the chance to sell some of their artwork at the event alongside local businesses who also took up stalls.

Ms McKenna said: "The S1 and S2 pupils from the art club sold calendars and Christmas cards and the RE department had a bottle stall which proved very popular with everyone.

"We also had a really good raffle and tombola and lots of local businesses from Kelburn Business Park had stalls, which was brilliant."

The school thanked the the Port Tesco store for donating 40 selection boxes for the Santa's grotto, while former teacher Michael Oswald took on the role of Santa.

The event raised £2,674 for school funds.

Ms McKenna said: "We initially set a target of £1,000 so we're absolutely overwhelmed."