SIX Tavistock schools are this week making ready to sing together this Sunday at the schools' songs of praise service in Tavistock parish church.

A valued annual fixture in the calendar for many years, this service is held to mark Education Sunday — an opportunity to celebrate the richness of school life, and to pray for all who are involved in it.

At the service, representative singers from each school will sing their favourite hymn or song. As in the popular 'Songs of Praise' television programme, a member of the school will say why their hymn has been chosen and what it means to their school community.

The singing will be augmented by the parish church choir, and songs with which the whole congregation can join in.

The priest-in-charge of Tavistock, the Rev Michael Brierley, said, 'School life is such a massive part of our town — there are eight schools in the parish of Tavistock alone — and such an enormous amount of work goes into each one of them.

'This is a hugely enjoyable opportunity to thank God for all that they do — and what better way to celebrate than with a great sing.

'I'm looking forward to it immensely.'

Everyone is welcome to join the service in St Eustachius' church, which begins at 6pm.