STUDENTS from across the county flocked to a landmark Hampshire building for their leavers’ services accompanied by some rather un-ewe-sual guests.

More than 1,600 year six pupils from 60 Church of England schools attended Winchester Cathedral as they prepared to move to secondary school, along with nearly 50 hand-decorated fibreglass sheep.

The services also marked the culmination of the Ewe Matter project, an initiative that has run across the schools over the past six months with the aim of fostering closer links between schools and the parishes.

Earlier this year, the sheep were delivered to schools and were then painted by pupils, often with the assistance of worshippers from local parishes, particularly those from the older generation.

The entire flock of brightly coloured sheep was assembled at the front of the Cathedral for the services.

An array of creative designs were on display, with some sheep sporting eyelashes, whilst others were adorned with a range of stripes, gems and symbols representing the values of each school and their geographical location.

The Rt Rev Tim Dakin, the bishop of Winchester, and The Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Frost, the bishop of Southampton presented each school with a commemorative candle.

The bishop of Winchester taught the children words in Swahili and talked about the Parable of the Lost Sheep, which tells the story of a shepherd who leaves his large flock to find a sheep that had become lost.

The Rt Rev Dakin said: “These leavers’ services marked a poignant moment for children as they prepare to open the next chapter of their lives and move on to secondary school.”

Jeff Williams, director of education for the Winchester and Portsmouth dioceses, said: “Throughout this project people have been extraordinarily enthusiastic and the results of this enthusiasm are clear and I am so impressed with the brilliant job that children in church schools across Hampshire have done in decorating their ewes.

“Ewe Matter has been a lot of fun – but it has also had a serious message, encouraging young people to learn from the older generation and reminding them of how important positive self-worth is.”