A BRADLEY primary school had a joined up approach to their school celebration – with a half mile line of hands.

Four hundred children from St Thomas’ Primary School joined hands last week to celebrate St Thomas’ Day.

Pupils assembled patiently at the entrance to the church and formed the chain of hands which ended in the main corridor of the school.

Once the signal was given a book of The Story of St Thomas made from a single piece of oak, was passed from one child to the other.

The book was designed by Denby Dale artist Jamie Frost.

The whole school was involved in the celebration from the nursery, reception, infants and junior departments and staff who had earlier attended a short service at the church.

The vicar of St Thomas’Church, Canon David Ward, who is also a school governor, told students and staff how St Thomas, the patron saint of architects was one of Christ’s disciples and was often referred to as "doubting Thomas" because he questioned Christ’s resurrection.

He said St Thomas Day is celebrated every year on July 3 and Canon Ward explained that the symbolic book fashioned by Mr Frost would be a permanent reminder of the link between the church and the school.

School governor Stan Solomons told the Examiner: "It took nearly half an hour for the book to make its way along paths and snickets to the entrance of the school’s reception area and then past the main hall where headteacher David Rushby waited to receive it.

"A special cabinet is being made to house the book which will be on permanent display – and the whole exercise will be repeated every year."

Head teacher Mr Rushby said: "We are delighted that the whole experience went off so smoothly. It was a well planned operation and I am grateful to the children and staff and Canon Ward, and to Jamie Frost, for making it possible.

"It was a happy, meaningful experience which we all enjoyed."

The school has teamed up with Jamie Frost on several projects over the years and he was delighted to help the school celebrate their special day.