A THREE-FOOT tall gingerbread house has been made as a festive treat for students in Yarm.

The dessert, which took more than two hours to make, was served with a special lunch to celebrate the end of term at Yarm School.

It was created by Chef Martin Strangward, who decorated it with chocolate snowmen, gingerbread men, chocolate cakes and hundreds of red and white candy canes.

Christmas tree biscuits, mini Christmas pudding cakes and chocolate trees were also part of the festive scene.

David Dunn, headmaster, said: “It was the perfect treat to celebrate Christmas and was the best way to recognise all the hard work that the staff and students at the school have put in throughout the year.

“In the true spirit of Christmas, many pupils returned in the evening to wait on for pensioners who were collected from local homes by school minibuses to a bumper Christmas meal followed by festive entertainment by pupils and staff.

"A great time was had by all. I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”