ON the eve of the half term holiday, Royal Wootton Bassett Academy celebrated the gifts of harvest, in words and music. Each House held its own festival in succession in the assembly hall, where a magnificent display of produce and artwork highlighted thanksgiving for the many foods on show.

Head teacher George Croxford welcomed guests the Rev Canon Jane Curtis, vicar, and the Rev Ollie Blease, curate, from St Bartholomew's Church. The festival incorporated commemoration of World War 1, in paintings and in musical numbers that included some songs of that era.

The young people were congratulated on their artistic displays, and thanks were expressed for their families' generous gifts, which were distributed later by senior students to needy and elderly people in the locality.

Mr Croxford said that Royal Wootton Bassett Academy is one of very few secondary schools to celebrate harvest festival, which provides a welcome link with the local community and encourages young people's appreciation of the privilege they enjoy in this caring environment.

The school will re-open on Monday.