HUNDREDS of Catholic pupils from across the county took part in a celebratory mass to mark the start of a new academic year.

Around 320 Year Six pupils from nine independent and state schools across Buckinghamshire gathered for an extended assembly at St Joseph's School, in Priory Road, Chalfont St Peter, on Thursday.

The event was organised by Holy Cross Convent School, in Chalfont St Peter.

Headteacher Margaret Shink-win said: "It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together and receive blessings.

"Each child had their part to play, either singing or reading and everyone was invited to take part in the offertory procession."

Children brought school related objects up to the altar during the offertory procession to receive a blessing from Father Francis Higgins, Beaconsfield parish priest. The objects were chosen to represent part of the pupil's school life, such as exercise books, hockey sticks and musical instruments or anything which meant a lot to them.

Mrs Shinkwin added: "I think the part of the mass the children most enjoyed was turning round to their neighbour, on Father Higgins' instruction, and telling them what they most liked about each other. They also enjoyed making up their own prayers for people in the community and for the victims of the tsunami and Hurricane Katrina and reading them out loud."

The mass lasted an hour and was so good everyone cheered at the end.

Afterwards the children and their teachers and Holy Cross parents enjoyed a picnic lunch before being bused back to their respective schools.

The event was due to be held at Holy Cross, but rain meant a last minute change to the plans and a quick dash across the road to St Joseph's Catholic Combined School hall.

It is the second time the event has been held and Mrs Shinkwin hopes it will become an annual event.