FIVE Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) primary schools have joined together for a virtual celebration this Easter.

The Church of England schools in Bath, Cameley, Farmborough, Marksbury and Radstock have filmed their own version of ‘Jesus' Love Is Very Wonderful (Stretch Up High)’ by Nick and Becky Drake, to share with family and friends.

St Mary’s C of E Primary School and Nursery, in Writhlington, Radstock, and Farmborough Church Primary School joined forces with three other local schools from within The Partnership Trust to celebrate Easter on film, saving transport costs and reducing their carbon footprint.

Last Christmas, three of the schools also recorded a song together, saving nearly £1,400 in costs.

Headteacher of Farmborough Church Primary School, Darren Roberts, said: “As church schools, we are always looking for meaningful ways to connect with other settings that share our Christian character.

“For some of us in rural areas, the practicalities and cost of travel can make this challenging.

“By recording a song for Easter together, the children have enjoyed uniting with the other schools on film.”

Emily Massey, chief executive of The Partnership Trust said: “One of the benefits of being a multi-academy trust is that we can collaborate on ideas and resources across our schools.

“This joint film is a wonderful way for the church schools to celebrate Easter together as well as sharing with friends, family, and the wider trust community.”

The film showing all the schools and children who took part in the Easter greeting and learned the lyrics and actions to the song which has been uploaded to The Partnership Trust’s website and YouTube channel.

The multi-academy trust operates 17 schools in B&NES and the county of Somerset and is part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells.