PUPILS celebrating the centenary of their school's historic chapel marked the occasion by creating a human formation of the number 100.

Youngsters from Barnard Castle School, aged four to 18, held their positions for a commemorative photograph to mark the occasion and a balloon release, which also marked Ascension Day and aimed to signify the colour and buoyancy of the modern school.

The chapel was consecrated just before Whit Sunday, in 1912, and was created through subscription with support given by former pupils and the Freemasons.

It provides a place for daily and weekly prayer at the school, and a majority of its interior is dedicated to those who have lost their lives in global conflicts.

A Henry "Father" Willis organ in the facility was restored and rededicated in 2009. Alan Stevens, headteacher at the school, said: "Our beautiful chapel has an affectionate place in the hearts of all the pupils and staffhere.

"It remains in daily use and we gather there to reinforce the values by which our girls and boys live."

The Reverend Stephen Ridley said: "The chapel has been central to celebrations, reflection and remembrance for a great many members of the local community over the past century.

"It is therefore fitting that in our milestone year, our whole school community - inclusive of pupils, teachers, administrators and estate staff-were brought together for this event."

Other celebrations included Barnard Castle Preparatory School holding a service to introduce the congregation to an anthem which was commissioned for the chapel's centenary, called School of the North.

The song uses the words of an old Barnard Castle School song written by a former schoolmaster, in 1921, and was adapted by the prep school's director of music, Matthew Atherton.

An organ recital to mark the centenary takes place in the chapel on Friday, June 15, at 7.30pm.

The programme includes Allegro from Symphonie VI, Sonata II in C minor, Finale from Sonata I, The Simpsons, and Toccata in F from Symphonie V.

Meanwhile, the chapel will be open to the public as part of the Heritage Open Days event, on September 8 and 9.