North and south collided in colourful fashion as Christmas arrived two weeks early at The Girls' Grammar School, Bradford.

More than 100 pupils swapped their uniforms for seasonal Santa outfits to perform a dance more often performed in warmer climes - the Latin American conga!

As the party tune which often accompanies the carnival-style caper began, Santas of all ages lined up to strut their stuff through the school's atrium and historic hall.

Event organiser, head of sixth form, Barbara Raby explained: "The British Heart Foundation approached us and said they had 100 Santa outfits - could we use them?' So we came up with the idea of a Santa conga!

"There has been a lot of support for the idea and we had a laugh getting ready!"

The event had been due to be held outside. However, bad weather forced the fledgling Father Christmases to don their white beards indoors.

Sue Green, British Heart Foundation Bradford community fundraiser, marshalled proceedings while also keeping an eye on the reindeer.

She said: "The girls have been absolutely fantastic. We are asking people over the Christmas period to dress up as Father Christmas and help us raise vital funds to help us with our research and care work.

"However, this is the first conga involving the great man that I am aware of. It has been a great success and I hope next year we will see many more!" Sixth former Claire Belmont, 18, the school's charity representative, helped organise the event. Claire, of Shipley, said: "I encouraged the girls to take part. All the sixth form has been involved and girls from other years too. It has been great fun!"

Georgina Fry, 16, of Eldwick, near Bingley, added: "It was amazing and for a great cause! It's the first time I have dressed up as Santa!"

Sophie Sedgewick, 17, of Ilkley, really got into the spirit of the occasion. She said: "It has been so much fun - but sweaty work."

And seventeen-year-old Anna Riley, of Sutton-Craven, near Keighley, said: "It has been conga-rific!"

Pupils at The Girls' Grammar hope to raise more than £2,000 through the event.

Mrs Green said the British Heart Foundation had always received great support from the district: "We have really strong links in Bradford. The district has helped pay for nurses and a scanner based at St Luke's.

"The girls are continuing that link and are helping to fund further research and care."