Children at a Kettering school have been treated to a special visit by a real life ‘Polar Express’.

The lorry, transformed into the Polar Express Christmas Truck by Thrapston Football Club and Anthony Binns of AC Binns, has been travelling to care homes, clubs, businesses and schools to share festive greetings and fundraise for charities.

Pupils at Hawthorn Community Primary School were surprised and excited to see the truck in their playground on the visit organised by the ‘Friends of’ group.

Thrapston Football Club secretary, Lindsay Latimer, said: “We’ve been touring around in the Christmas truck to various schools and care homes and we’ve got events at Wicksteed Park coming up.

AC Binns' Polar Express Christmas Truck at Hawthorn Community Primary School in Kettering/National World

placeholder image — AC Binns' Polar Express Christmas Truck at Hawthorn Community Primary School in Kettering/National World

"We are raising awareness of Thrapston Food Bank and other local charities and making children smile.”

Mr Binns had the idea to decorate a truck and combine it with a golden ticket raffle with giveaways donated by local companies.

Cherry Beale, co-chairman of the Friends of Hawthorn who organised the visit for pupils after seeing the truck at another venue, was thrilled they had been chosen to host the lorry.

She said: “I was excited! I messaged them and they were very quick getting back to me. The children all get a golden ticket to be entered into the Polar Express prize draw.”