NUNS from the French Order of the Sisters of Our Lady of Evron, from several countries, joined former pupils of Filey Convent at the weekend to celebrate the order's centenary in the town.

They toured the former convent, now the Evron Centre, a community enterprise run by Scarborough Council.

Later they held Mass at St Mary's Catholic Church, in Filey, which was founded by the sisters in 1904.

Among those taking part were the Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Right Reverend John Crowley, the Abbot of Ampleforth, the Rt Rev Timothy Wright, and clergy of other denominations in Filey.

Former pupil Joanna Albin said nuns from France, Africa and Canada had taken part in the centenary event held by the Convent's Old Girls' Association.

She said: "It was a marvellous occasion, with so many old friendships being renewed."

Sisters at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, which overlooked Filey Bay, taught there until 1967, when the school closed.

About 80 former pupils took part in the celebrations, along with the Mother Provincial for England, Sister Clare, a former teacher and now president of the Old Girls' Association.

An ecumenical service was also held in the cemetery at St Oswald's Church, Filey, where a number of the sisters are buried.