A lollipop lady has pulled out all the stops to create some much needed Christmas cheer with her fantastic costumes.
Naiomi Doyle may have worn some bat ears for Halloween or a Santa hat for Christmas at the Gaelscoil an tSeanchai in Magherafelt in previous years but this year she decided to go all out to make the local children at the school smile.
Naiomi spoke to MyDerry about these creative costumes and how much it has meant to these children to enjoy some Christmas fun.
She said: "With everything that has been going on and all the doom and gloom we have been facing, I wanted to make an extra effort for the kids this year.
"They are missing out on their Christmas shows and lots of fun things this year, so I wanted to cheer them up a bit in the mornings on their way to school."
For Naiomi, seeing the joyful faces of the children going into school has brightened up her mornings as well.
She said: "I really enjoy putting on the costumes in the morning. I know that the children love it, I see them laughing and smiling on their way in to school. It is amazing.
"The parents really enjoy it as well. Even the people driving past on their way to work have a smile on their faces.
"One girl asked me if I could dress up as a candy cane, I'm already getting requests which is a good sign!
"I want to continue doing this every year now, even during other holidays like Easter."
With all of the challenges faced this year, small touches such as these provide an immense amount of joy, especially to young children who may be struggling.
Naiomi knew it was more important than ever to try and bring some joy to the school gates.
She said: "It is great seeing the children going into school a lot happier. It means so much to them.
"It is just a bit of added brightness to their mornings. It makes us all smile and laugh! What else could you ask for."
Naiomi wanted to take this chance to wish a safe and happy Christmas to all.
She said: "I hope everyone has a merry Christmas and I hope we can all stay safe. It is important that we do what we can to get each other through this."
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