Pupils at St Francis Catholic Primary School in Myers Lane, Bolton, Bradford, have sent a gift to the new pope.

The children decided to write to welcome Pope Francis after hearing he had chosen the name of their patron saint, St Francis of Assisi.

They have sent him a signed, limited edition painting that was commissioned by the governors of the school and created by Bingley artist Jane Fielder, in celebration of the partnership the school and its pupils and staff have with and parish community. Eve Underwood, chairman of the School Council, said: “We hope that Pope Francis will enjoy looking over the St Francis community in Bradford and praying for us.”