Peace is the word...

St. Joseph's School Peace Flag ceremony at St. Joseph's Church, Shaw.

HUNDREDS of balloons were released into the sky as children sent messages of peace to the world.

It was a busy morning for pupils at St Joseph’s Primary School, Shaw, who took part in the World Peace Day ceremony and then Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Members of the World Peace Prayer Society attended the ceremony at the neighbouring church, which featured flags from every nation on Earth.

Sponsors Huddersfield Road Tesco provided each child with a balloon with Millers Florist providing the helium. Messages of peace were attached and children released them.

The coffee morning was also a touching occasion that brought young and old together.

Groups of elderly and partially-sighted residents sat with pupils and spent time chatting with them, while pupils also held the hands of nursery children to show them around.

Pupils performed drama and song to keep people entertained.

Head teacher Andrew Dickinson said: “Hundreds of balloons were released into the sky, which hopefully will reach Europe carrying messages of peace. It was a unique occasion bringing peace to every country.

“It was not just people from the school or parish, we had a lot there from the community as well. It was also absolutely packed for the coffee morning. We always raise a staggering amount of money at this event and it will be hundreds if not thousands of pounds raised again.”