Dozens of Muslim children joined in Mass at a Roman Catholic primary school's celebration to mark its 50th anniversary.

St Mary's and St Joseph's School, in Bennington Street, Blackburn, held a school assembly, with Mass, to mark its long history as a faith school.

The majority of the pupils are Catholic, but just under half are from non-Catholic backgrounds.

The Muslim population at the school is around 35per cent, and all pupils, parents and teachers sat together and listened to Dean Kevin Kenny read Mark 12 verses 28-34 from the Bible for their Mass.

Mass followed a presentation by 13 pupils about the history of pupils and teachers at the school, which headteacher Mrs Elaine Grimshaw had researched.

She said: "I have been headteacher at the school for seven years and it is a very special school.

"It is a wonderful community and I really enjoyed finding out about the school. Children haven't changed much over the years."

Parent of two children at the school and trainee nursery nurse Rehana Mayet said: "Two of my three children are at this school. They are encouraged to mix with, and respect, people from all cultures. It is a Catholic school, but they are taught all religions.

"This week it is Eid and we have been teaching the children about it."

Ms Grimshaw added: "I have spoken to parents and they have told me that as Muslims they do believe in Jesus, and Jesus is mentioned in the Qur'an.

"Many of the Muslim children attend mosques after school hours to learn about Islam and do not have any problems distinguishing between the two religions."