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Pupils embrace light of peace
HUNDREDS of pupils gathered in their school hall to welcome an international symbol of peace to Hartlepool for the very first time.
The Bethlehem Peace Light is first lit at the birthplace of Jesus Christ before being transported across Europe and America.
It is the first time it has ever come to Hartlepool, and youngsters at St Aidan's Primary School received the light and said prayers at a special assembly.
Headteacher Ian Railton then lit another candle from the flame which will remain in the school hall.
The Bethlehem Peace Light, which is now in its 24th year, was originally
organised by an Austrian broadcasting company for a charity relief mission.
Since 1986 the Scouts, Guides and Boys Brigade have been heavily involved and their members have passed the flame around the world.
The light was brought to the Loyalty Road school by Arthur and Susan Wooff, from the Redcar and Eston District Scout movement.
Mr Wooff said: "The Peace Light itself will not bring peace, but it tries to remind us all to bring peace to the world.
"By passing the small light from person to person we are making friends. Just like passing the light, hopefully, we are passing on peace.
"This is the first time it has been to Hartlepool, but we hope it won't be the last."
Mr Railton added: "This was a first for St Aidan's Primary School and a first for Hartlepool.
"We were delighted and very honoured to welcome the Bethlehem Peace Light into our school."
Mr Railton has been involved in the Scout movement for 43 years and he is a member of the Cleveland branch of Scout Active Support.
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Weather for Hartlepool
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
