A GROUP of more than 20 pupils from a Keighley school have taken part in this year's pilgrimage to Lourdes, in southern France.

In a departure from normal practice the 22 pilgrims from Holy Family Catholic School first joined members of the Society of our Lady of Lourdes group (SOLL), rather than travelling separately then meeting in Lourdes.

The students from Holy Family set off from Keighley in the early morning along with their partner adult group, Massabielle, to link up with other pilgrims at Stansted Airport.

A school spokesman said: "Arriving in a hot and sunny south of France, our students were immediately set to work as nurses and carers for the 'assisted pilgrims', that is those who need help in some way.

"The needs ranged from the walking wounded to patients who were seriously ill.

"Students and staff spent the entire week of the holiday in service and working to support the larger SOLL pilgrimage.

"At times this meant that the Keighley pilgrims had to abandon their traditional yellow jerseys and wear the blue uniforms of SOLL."

Patrick Moran, the pilgrimage leader from Holy Family, said: “Students gave their time and efforts to help pilgrims and to make the week special.

"They have returned emboldened by their experience. They've gained far more than they gave, more than they could have predicted."