Pilgrims from all around the world have been given a warm welcome at Mater Dei Primary, Blakehurst.

"World Youth Day began for us with the arrival of twelve pilgrims from Wrexham in Wales," explained Principal Jenny Payne.

"They were an unexpected arrival, but were made to feel very welcome by the school and parish. The group comprised the Bishop of Wrexham, two priests and nine other pilgrims, mostly university students.

"Next to arrive at Blakehurst were our biggest group - 236 young pilgrims from Noumea.   In their bright orange T-shirts they came in groups of about 50 - and they just kept coming! We gave them some soccer balls and basketballs and they played energetically into the evening.

"They are all very excited about being here!"

"Our group of eleven from the Democratic Republic of the Congo finally arrived after travelling from Bathurst.  We met them at the station and brought this tired but happy group back to school.

"Our final group of 90 HomeStay pilgrims from Switzerland arrived at 11.45pm after a long and involved bus trip from Melbourne."

Ms Payne thanked the local Anglican church - St Mark's - who helped Mater Dei provide a barbecue for their 248 guests.  The Minnie Vinnies took on the major task of making up welcome packs for all the pilgrims, including warm clothes for the Australian winter.