PUPILS have enjoyed a school trip to four North Yorkshire abbeys which their school houses are named in honour of.

Earlier this month, Richmond Methodist Primary School went on its first ever full school trip – with all 325 pupils, staff and governors – to Fountains Abbey near Ripon, Byland Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey, both in Ryedale, and Jervaulx Abbey, between Masham and Leyburn.

Claire Pollard, business manager at the school, said the event involved military-style organisation.

She said: “The aim of the visit was to strengthen the concept of school houses and their associated abbeys, as well as raising the profile of our local heritage and giving children a sense of interest and pride in their local area.

“The school trip was funded by the kind generosity of the PTA - Friends of Richmond Methodist School and a contribution from a English Heritage grant.

“The children had a memorable day visiting their house abbeys, where they also celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday with a royal picnic lunch, which was prepared by the school catering team.

“It was a special day for the school and the sun even shone.”