HUNDREDS of primary school pupils formed a heart shape as they paid a poignant tribute to Manchester bombing victims on Wednesday.

Children, parents and staff at The Rydal Academy in Darlington gathered to pay respects to those who died and were injured in the terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday evening.

Their heartwarming display was part of an outdoor assembly led by headteacher John Armitage.

Mr Armitage said: “We knew from previous experience that whenever there has been an attack in this country or abroad, our children have come into school wanting to discuss and explore it.

“Their responses have always been very compassionate and we decided very quickly that we wanted to show solidarity and support for those affected during this incident.

“The whole school was outside, from nursery age up to year six, with parents, relatives and staff members also joining in.”

He added: “We always have to be careful in terms of what detail we go into as we don’t want to upset or scare them but they know what’s going on, they see the news and they’re informed.

“During the assembly, we explained that there had been a tragedy in Manchester and a lot of children and their families who had gone to a concert of an artist our children are familiar with were injured or hurt and some did not make it home.

“We then held our reflection, during which I read a few words about how in times of need we must stand together and against hatred, we must show love.”