Christmas came early at the Chorley and Leyland Guardian as the paper’s staff did their bit for Children in Need.

As well as transforming their office into a winter wonderland, all the staff dressed up in Christmas-themed fancy dress.

Reporters Karl Holbrook (Christmas tree), Natalie Banks (fairy), Robert Kelly (Christmas pudding), and Charlotte Wareing (elf) joined receptionist Brenda Bartlett (Mrs Santa) and her colleague Lisa Makinson (Miss Santa) in getting in the festive spirit.

Regular work experience trainees Emma Hughes (Rudolph) and Mike Dalglish (Snowman) also got in on the act while the paper’s editor Chris Maguire took on the role of Santa Claus, also visiting a number of local schools and businesses.

Chris said: “We had great support from local businesses who supplied us with the costumes and Christmas lights free of charge.

“We’re still counting the money but there was a great atmosphere in the office and it was rewarding to help a worthwhile charity in the process.”