PUPILS from a Flixton school had an Easter visit from a religious leader.

Bishop of Middleton Mark Davies, visited Wellacre Academy as part of his special programme for holy week.

As part of his responsibilities within the Manchester Diocese, Bishop Davies has responsibilities for areas of Trafford.

As well as speaking to Year Seven pupils he answered questions from Year 10 RE students.

He was also presented with a new decorative cross designed by teaching staff and Year Eight students of the school to mark 50 years of links with St John’s Church, Flixton.

The church building has a cross on its entrance designed, created and paid for by students of Wellacre College in 1968, when it was built.

The presentation recalled that connection, which has continued through half a century.

Those present at the event included the school’s principal, Melanie Wicks, members of staff and technology technician Graham Jackson, who was a student at Wellacre College in 1968.

Also present were the Rev Huw Thomas, vicar of St Michael’s Church, Flixton, and the Rev Rodney Green, associate minister of St John’s Church, Flixton, who was also a student at the college when the first cross was made.

The new cross in ‘Wellacre blue’ was made by Joanne Smith and Mr Jackson.

He said: “Every time I’ve been to Wellacre’s carol concert at St John’s Church, I always smile when I see the original cross, as I remember fellow students making it when I was a student.

“It’s interesting now to have worked on the new design, as a gift from Wellacre.’

St John’s is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the opening of its new church building this year, along with its ‘parent’ church, St Michael’s Flixton. Bishop

Bishop Davies spent the week in Flixton, taking part in other Easter events at St Michael’s and St John’s and visiting schools and church members’ friends and neighbours.