St Mary's Catholic Comprehensive School in Menston hosted a special visit by Bishop Arthur Roche last week.

The Bishop held two assemblies on his visit, speaking to senior pupils in preparation of Lent entitled 'Join Me On The Journey Of Lent,' as part of his inaugural tour of the Leeds Diocese secondary schools.

Deputy head-teacher, Kevin Albrow said: "It was an extremely successful first visit for the Bishop'.

The main objective of the visit was to introduce the Bishop to older pupils at St Mary's and prepare them for the festival of Lent in the coming weeks.

The Bishop spoke of people who had influenced his life and work, including Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Mr Albrow added: "He highlighted the importance such people played in the world and that the ability to help others is within everyone's reach'.

Before Christmas St Mary's held an Advent Appeal raising £7,500 for local and international charities. Money was raised through events such as car washes, basketball competitions and sponsored silences.

Kate McTigue, 19, a pupil who completed her studies at St Mary's last September, is currently working at a school in Swaziland in southern Africa, to which the school has sent a donation from its charity fund.

Money will also be divided between other charities such as St Gemma's Hospice and Catholic Care, a counselling charity.

The Bishop held one of the assemblies in the newly opened Hulme Building - named after Cardinal Basil Hulme - which houses resources for teaching religious education, humanities and performing arts.

Mr Albrow added: "The warmth the Bishop displayed towards the pupils and school in general fed through to the children'.

A display of Miss McTigue's work in in Swaziland is on display at St Mary's entrance hall.