BELLS rang out across Cirencester on December 19 to mark the Christingle service being held in the parish church by Powell’s School in the year of their tri-centenary.

The school packed in children, parents and supporters filled the church for carols, poems and a blessing led by Reverend Gary Grady.

Bellringers put in the effort to ring the bells from 8.30am until 10am to mark the occasion, much to the delight of students and staff.

Head teacher Teresa Day said that she was delighted with the turnout and thanked parents and staff for contributing to the event.

Father Grady explained that the link between the school and the parish church had been in place since the school was founded in 1714.

He said:“This is the church which is associated Powell’s School and where the memorial associated with the Powell family is.”

He added that the original Powell’s School was set up by Rebecca Powell, who helped lay the foundations for several schools in the area, to ensure the poorest in the area could get an education.