York's schools have been busier than usual this week as an MP, the city's Lord Mayor and even a pop band visited classrooms.

SoulUnique, who toured with Boyzone last year, entertained more than 200 enthusiastic children aged from seven to 11 at Tang Hall Primary School.

Teacher Caroline Beck said: "They sang their new single which is out soon, did some competitions for the children and gave them some goody bags. The kids loved them and they handed out autographs to every child."

Head teacher Paul Prest added: "It went down superbly, the children absolutely loved it."

At Sutton-on-the-Forest Primary School things were not quite so rowdy as Tory Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh talked to the pupils. She looked around the school and saw a presentation of their work.

Head teacher Sue Ratcliffe said: "We invited her to come and see the children. We're hoping to build a school hall and she wished us luck with our expanding.

"She agreed that we needed more space for the children"

Meanwhile, staff and pupils at Archbishop Holgate's School, York, were looking even further ahead as they planted their Millennium time capsule, due to be opened in 2046 for the school's 500th anniversary.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Peter Vaughan, and Lady Mayoress, June Vaughan, helped put the sealed steel and fibreglass container into place.

Head teacher John Harris said: "Year Seven pupils all put personal thoughts about themselves and the future, and details about the school. We've planted three beech trees and there's a plaque marking it. We're also planning to make a garden - that was the pupils' own idea.

"The aim is to open it in 2046, when the pupils will be 57 years old!"

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