Pupils are “over the moon” after their teachers rallied the Christmas goodwill of strangers to save a school trip to the pantomime from being cancelled over train strikes.

Youngsters from St Joseph's Catholic Primary in Aylesham were left heartbroken at the prospect of their long-anticipated visit to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury being axed due to a lack of transport.

Staff realised trains would not be running on the day of their planned trip, prompting them to launch a fundraising campaign to hire coaches.

And within just one day, generous well-wishers had donated enough to send them to the show.

Executive head teacher Karen Riddell says everyone at St Joseph’s is in awe of the kindness of people who responded to their online appeal, which was highlighted by KentOnline.

“It’s amazing - we exceeded our goal in just one day of fundraising,” exclaimed Mrs Riddell.

“From the minute that KentOnline article went up, people started donating. It was so exciting, we kept on giving the children and parents updates throughout the day.

“The whole school family have been bowled over by people's generosity and the kids are over the moon.

“We’re all really looking forward to next week and relieved that we have a safe way to get everybody there.”

Children and staff alike had been looking forward seeing the Sleeping Beauty pantomime but plans were thrown into doubt last week once dates of upcoming rail strikes were announced.

The plan had been to travel by rail, so the 130 children could benefit from £1 fares.

But once that option was taken off the table, school staff worried they would be unable to afford the £1,000 price quoted to them by coach companies.

Fortunately, after one bus firm heard of the school’s situation, they offered St Joseph’s a discount and the school raised the remaining funds needed with time to spare.

Children were overjoyed at the news, with older pupils saying they were amazed at the kindness of strangers.

“So many people have helped us, they're really kind, I can't believe it,” said one Year 6 student.

“The whole school are going, that's over a hundred. People we didn't know helped us,” said another.

Younger children were just plain excited to be going to the show.

“'I'm going with all my friends,” added a pupil form Year 1.

More than 40,000 rail workers will be staging nationwide walk-outs in the run-up to Christmas.

Union members across Network Rail and 14 train companies, including Southeastern - which operates the line between Aylesham and Canterbury - will take part in the industrial action in December and January.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union says it is striking over “job security, pay and conditions”.

The strike days are December 13, 14, 16 and 17, and January 3, 4, 6 and 7.