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'Christmas jumpers should be for everyone'

BBC Seven children stand in front of a Christmas tree at their primary school. The five girls and two boys are all wearing festive jumpers which are traditional colours of red, green, white and blue.BBC
Children at Adelaide Primary School in Hull were given an assortment of Christmas jumpers

Jumpers have been handed out to children at three primary schools in Hull to help lower income families to take part in Christmas Jumper Day.

The clothing was delivered to Adelaide Primary School, Chiltern Primary and Stepney Primary by Hull City Council which had collected donations.

The worldwide event was first held in 2012 after it was set up by the Save the Children charity to promote the festive spirit and fundraise.

Victoria Bartlett, a parent who helped to hand out the items at Chiltern Primary School and said: "To be sat there and not be able to join in gets to you. People don't realise, it's not jealousy, its really emotional."

She added: "You'd like to be a part of it, but you just can't afford it."

Victoria Barlett smiles into the camera. She has plum-coloured hair and is wearing glasses. She is wearing a dark blue Christmas jumper which features white spots and has the word "Elfie" written in large capital letters. She is stood in a white room and toys and photographs are visible in the background.
Victoria Bartlett was amongst the volunteers who helped hand out donations at Chiltern Primary School

The children at Adelaide Primary who spoke to the BBC said they were "glad" that others would be given the opportunity to take part.

David, a pupil in year six, said: "It's really important because there are some families out there that can't afford Christmas jumpers.

"It's really important we help them."

Councillor Charles Quinn stands in a school corridor and is holding a small green, red and white Christmas jumper in the style of an elf outfit. He is wearing a dark suit, white shirt and a pink, purple and blue striped tie. He has a stubble beard and is wearing glasses.
Councillor Charles Quinn said the authority wanted to help families to save money ahead of Christmas

Councillor Charles Quinn told the BBC the authority had collected donations after being inspired by a "family who had four children and could only afford one Christmas jumper".

"This helps parents save a little bit of money at a time of year when people are spending a lot," he added.

The jumpers the children were given were donated to the council via designated drop-offs at The Orchard Centre, The Wilson Centre, Bransholme Health Centre and branches of Beercocks Estate Agents.

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