TAVISTOCK College students have honoured the school's founders and celebrated more than 1,000 years of learning in the town.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the college's conversion to a comprehensive school, year 8 students took part in a service at St Eustachius Church, next to the site of the first abbey school set up in 981 AD.

Guests included parents, grand parents and local councillors as well as representatives from the Reunion Society who had been pupils of the college during the first years as a comprehensive school.

Students played music, read tributes and prayers and acted out the roles of Tavistock College's five founders: Edmund Tremayne, His Honour Sir John Glanville, John Fitz, John Russell The Duke of Bedford and Sir Francis Drake.

Assistant principal Carolyn Tossell said: 'Visitors said they really enjoyed the service and were amazed at the confidence the students displayed, and at the talent in the jazz band.'

Student president Jacob Smith and year 8 senator Cassian Bennett read a short history of the college, before five students emerged dressed in traditional costumes kindly loaned by governor Alison Wright.

Explaining the decision to include acting in the service, Sally Hubbard, head of Year 8, said: 'They always read out why our houses are named after these people and we thought it would be fun to have them be those important people instead of just reading about them.

'The students did incredibly well and it helped the whole year group to understand the importance of these men to the history of their school.'

Cassian Bennett, who dressed up as John Fitz, said: 'It was really interesting; I think everybody learned a bit about the founders.'

The congregation stood to sing I Vow to Thee My Country and Jerusalem, before receiving a blessing from the Rev Michael Brierley.

A collection was also held for ShelterBox.