School's film lays red carpet for the Pope

HE will be greeted by tens of thousands, has had a street spruced up in his honour and will have the traffic literally stopped for him.

But perhaps one of the most memorable gestures the Pope will take away from his visit to Scotland will be a heartwarming welcome film made by school children.

Pupils from St Gabriel's Primary in Prestonpans, East Lothian, have been chosen from schools across the country to make a short film to welcome Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland on September 16.

It will be shown to the congregation attending the Pope's Mass at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow.

Schools were asked in June to put themselves forward to make welcome films as part of a national initiative arranged by the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES).

Around 20 schools, including St Gabriel's, were selected to put their ideas on to the small screen.

Although it looked like children had been working on the film for months, the school's headteacher said it was actually a last-minute project.

Anne Torley said: "We had to work very quickly, as in the end we only really had about a week and a half to do this.

"We made sure that every child in school was involved, but we also had a group of P6 and 7 pupils who guided the viewer through Prestonpans landmarks, the school and the wider community.

"We had great fun with the choreography and the singing.

"We think it gives a really positive insight into our life, our history and culture. It's a great honour for us."

Brid O'Brien, director of religious education of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, said: "The school communities have worked extremely hard in preparing the presentations and are justifiably proud of their efforts.

"We are extremely grateful to St Gabriel's and indeed all other schools who participated."

Michael McGrath, director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, added: "I was absolutely delighted with the quality of the DVD produced by the pupils and staff of St Gabriel's and by the other schools.

"Each DVD gives a flavour of each school in its local setting and offers the heartiest of Scottish welcomes to the Holy Father."

The films from all the schools will be made into a special commemorative DVD, which will be given to Pope Benedict to remind him of his visit. To watch the film, visit edubuzz.org/blogs/stgabriels/941-2/