School pupils heard a sermon by a leading former anti-apartheid campaigner.

The youngsters from Ashford School listened to the Most Rev Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, at Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday .

The pupils were at the cathedral to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the United Church Schools Trust, the Christian educational charity that supports their school.

The Year 11 youngsters joined pupils from other UCST schools for a service of thanksgiving, rededication and celebration.

The Rev Tutu gained worldwide prominence in the 1980s for his fight against the then apartheid regime in his native South Africa.

Mike Buchanan, head of Ashford School, said: “All our many pupils, parents and staff were inspired to hear Desmond Tutu talk about his deep love of God and his belief in the ability of young people to change the world.

“It is rare to meet a man of such humility and humour.”

The Ashford School pupils contributed to the service by giving readings and performances and being part of the choir.

Symbols of the life of each school were brought to the altar and the Ashford youngsters presented a shield of their school crest mounted on photographs depicting life