TWO Forest schools celebrated coming together after 140 years with a special service at Gloucester Cathedral.

Redbrook and St Briavels primary schools are now being managed as one in the "Wye Forest Federation".

Children from both schools worked on the service through dance, song, reading and prayers.

The service included a banner procession with the schools' six core values and it ended with balloons and birthday cake.

Executive head Mandy Lloyd said: "It was wonderful to be able to have a double celebration in the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral.

"Not only are both schools 140 years old this year, but they also became the Wye Forest Federation on April 1st 2012.

"The staff and children from both schools have spent a great deal of time preparing for this event.

"When both school banners, and the values banners processed through the Cathedral, I felt so proud of what we have achieved and it was lovely to see everyone singing together, enjoying the occasion.

"Invited guests celebrated with us, and I hope that we have shown everyone that the Federation is the future for our schools in their own communities. The staff, governors and children have pulled together to support me in the vision I have, and I thank them all most sincerely for their dedication and enthusiasm."