Baubles and bobbles, Grinches and glitter, snowballs and Santas – staff and students at East Lancashire Learning Group have been creating colourful chaos across Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College, and Lancashire Adult Learning, the three colleges that form East Lancashire Learning Group, raising money for Save the Children on Christmas Jumper Day.

Hundreds of staff and learners swapped their regular wear for bright and colourful jumpers featuring seasonal stars and December-themed decorations.

As well as bringing holiday cheer across their campuses it’s raised almost £500 for children around the world.

Ste Buckley, Head of Learner Experience, says it’s about bringing everyone together:

“At East Lancashire Learning Group we believe in creating a caring community, both within our walls and into the wider community beyond.

“Christmas Jumper Day is a great example of this. It’s about having fun and celebrating together, but also about remembering we’re part of something bigger.

“By raising money and giving back it truly reflects what East Lancashire Learning Group is all about – supporting young people and allowing them to express themselves.”

Save the Children is a global charity dedicated to children’s rights, providing education, healthcare and advocating for change to protect children’s futures. It is active in more than 100 countries keeping young people safe and healthy, especially in crises like poverty, war and natural disasters.

Ste added:

“Annual events like this are just one of the ways we like to keep connected with the community and give our learners the opportunity to really make a difference in the world while building friendships and networks that will last for life.”

You can still donate and help East Lancashire Learning Group and Save the Children support even more young people: https://christmas.savethechildren.org.uk/fundraising/cjd250017559