Festive activities at West Nottinghamshire College included a Christmas market, organised and hosted by education and early years students.

Learners wrote to shops and businesses, asking for products and gifts to sell and as raffle prizes. They also got friends and families to contribute.

Stalls included a book sale, handmade gifts, and Christmas decorations and cards, jewellery, and key charms.

Students also hosted a range of tombola and raffle stalls, which included prizes such as food hampers, sweets, and toiletries.

Games included a push-up challenge, which Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams tried out during his visit; ping-pong goals; and a bean bag throw competition.

Also among the guests were Mansfield county councillor Paul Henshaw, Mansfield 103.2’s Rachel Staley, and Julia Yemm, the wife of Mansfield MP Steve Yemm.

Julia is a consultant radiographer in breast imaging at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, and students are raising money for the breast care unit at the hospital.

She said: “We were very impressed by the huge effort that the students had put into fundraising for our unit. There was a wonderful range of clever arts and crafts that had obviously taken a lot of time and commitment to create.

“We are extremely grateful for the money raised for our unit and the awareness that this brings to the important health issues.”

Early years teacher Sue Swinscoe added: “We had a thoroughly great turnout. Students worked incredibly hard in preparation for the event and did brilliantly with contacting businesses to obtain prizes for the raffles and tombola. We had a target to reach £900 for the breast care unit, but this was way exceeded as we reached a fantastic £1,564.

“As we’re a predominantly female area it’s good to highlight the importance of breast care and it was a pleasure to welcome Julia to the market and show her how we’re supporting the unit she works so passionately for.”

Mayor Andy added: “Putting on these kinds of events is no small feat and takes a great deal of organisation. There has been some great marketing and people person skills here. It was a great opportunity for students to gain work experience, enhancing their future prospects.”