When John Paul took over the papacy in 1978, the Internet phenomenon was a sparkle in scientists' imaginations.

But yesterday, schoolchildren in the region watched his funeral unfold on a big screen via the worldwide web.

The pupils at St Augustine's Roman Catholic School, Scarborough, North Yorkshire watched the service on the interactive whiteboards in their classrooms, beamed from Rome on the Internet.

Each class took a collective decision on whether to watch the funeral, and many chose to be a part of what was a moment in history.

Headteacher Roger Cannon, said: "We had two moving assemblies earlier in the week where we celebrated the Pope's life. Interestingly, it has been the younger ones who have been the most emotionally involved.

"Some groups watched the whole funeral and others watched just an hour, but it has been a special week for us."

At St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral, in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, 80 to 90 schoolchildren joined a congregation of about 300 at a mass in the early morning.

Father John Paul Leonard said: "We normally have mass at 9.30am but we brought it forward to 8.30am so more people could attend. It was a simple mass and some prayers were said."

As the funeral started, a small group gathered to watch, in the Cathedral hall.

Father Leonard said: "We watched the full two-and-a-half hours and we were transfixed. It went rapidly, watching it together."

In Darlington yesterday evening, the six Catholic churches in the town joined together for a mass at St Augustine's Church in Conis-cliffe Road.

In Newcastle, St Mary's Cathedral in the city centre, steered away from any fuss.

Father Robert Kinlen, said: "We deliberately avoided having a clash of fixtures, but there will be a solemn requiem celebrated by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, Kevin Dunn, tomorrow, at 11.30am."

The cathedral is also hosting a ecumenical service, Vespers for the Dead on Sunday at 4pm. All the Christian religions, the leaders of other faiths and civic leaders have been invited in what will be a celebration of Pope John Paul II's life.

The Diocese of Middlesbrough will hold simultaneous requiem mass in Coulby Newham, Hull and York at 7pm on Thursday.