VISITORS from Uganda joined the first harvest assembly at The Deanery Academy.

Reverend Paulson and Canon Frederick from the Diocese of Bristol's Ugandan link spoke to the schoolchildren about what the harvest is like in their country.

Reverend Paulson said: "In western Uganda, we harvest animals - cattle and goats - because there is plenty of good pasture, and harvest fruit in eastern Uganda where the climate is warmer.

"We used to only harvest for subsidence and home consumption but recently we've been selling our produce to supermarkets in the country and abroad."

Year 7 pupils at the new £30m academy in Wichelstowe donated piles of tinned and packaged produce which will be given to those in need through the Swindon Food Collective.

Vicar of Wroughton and Wichelstowe Rev Phil Harrison led the service which included hymns and Bible readings from pupils. He said afterwards: "It's exciting to be starting with the spirit of thankfulness at this school.

"This event encourages these young people to have a generous attitude to life and will help them grow and flourish."