TEENAGERS in Chelmsley Wood are already thinking about Christmas 2019 as they hope to make children’s dreams come true with a magical sleigh.
Pupils from WMG Academy Solihull have dismantled a caravan to use the chassis as the base of the sleigh, which will be driven through streets by Marston Green and District Lions Club to raise money for good causes from next year.
The academy bought the caravan for £45 and stripped it down to the chassis. The students have each submitted a design and the winner will see a real-life version of their sleigh created.
Christine Moss, treasurer of Marston Green and District Lions Club, said: “It’s important for the pupils to understand how important this sleigh is to us.
“The children look forward to coming out to see Santa and the sleigh every year.
“Our current sleigh has lasted 40 years and hopefully this one will too.”
Year 10 pupil Katie Watkins, 15, said: “We’re proud to be invited to be involved with this community project and it’s a nice feeling to help charities.
“It’s not something you would expect to do at such a young age, so it gives us a unique opportunity and it means we can learn as we go.”
Engineering technician Neil Loxton, who is mentoring the pupils, said: “It’s wonderful to see these pupils using the engineering skills they have learnt at WMG Academy to give something back to the community.
“They are very motivated and are delighted to support the Lions in bringing happiness to young children at Christmas while raising money for good causes.
“And at the same time, the students are developing and perfecting their engineering and design skills for their future careers.”
