CHRISTMAS came early for the children of Mobberley Primary School when Tatton MP George Osborne paid a special visit on Friday December 13.

Mr Osborne came bearing gifts, presenting a bundle of Active Kids equipment, including bats, balls and skipping ropes, to the children and teachers of the Church Lane School.

The school was congratulated by Mr Osborne and colleagues from Sainsbury’s Wilmslow after collecting 4,000 vouchers from this year’s Active Kids scheme, which helps provide schools, groups and clubs in Cheshire with a healthy, active lifestyle.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer presented the equipment during the morning assembly in front of 150 children.

He said: “I know how important it is for children to live a healthy, active lifestyle, so it was great to see how the Sainsbury’s Active Kids scheme has supported the children at Mobberley Primary School over the past couple of years and I was delighted to be able to present them with more sports equipment.

“I hope more schools, groups and clubs in Tatton can sign up to the Active Kids scheme in 2014.”

Mobberley Primary School has been registered to Active Kids since the scheme began in 2005. This year alone, the scheme has delivered over £13million worth of equipment and experiences to schools, clubs and organisations, an increase of £5million on the previous year.

Headteacher Carol Owen said: “Customers at Sainsbury’s Wilmslow have been really supportive this year and it was great for the children to receive the equipment from George, which we will put to good use in the New Year.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped donate a voucher to us this year and we’re looking forward to hopefully collecting even more next year.”