A groundbreaking new school building which welcomed students earlier this year has now been blessed.

The Bishop Paul Swarbrick led a service at St Benedict’s School in Whitehaven to celebrate the blessing of the building on Campus Whitehaven.

Bishop Paul met students, governors and staff before unveiling a commemorative plaque.

Headteacher Emma Jackson said everyone at the school was ‘honoured’.

“Our Year 11 and Year 13 students attended a liturgy of the word, where Bishop Paul blessed the building,” she said.

“He then toured the school and met with various students and staff. We are delighted to have such a modern and vibrant building. Finally Bishop Paul visited our chapel where staff, students and invited guests prayed together. It was a very moving and spiritual occasion.”