Four Church of England Schools in north Norfolk are coming together under a new federation to help them address common challenges.

Norfolk is known for its pretty countryside and big skies, but rural life can also present its own difficulties and the schools in Blakeney, Hindringham, Kelling and Walsingham have all struggled with small numbers of pupils.

To help them in their common vision of combining high standards of education with Christian values, the schools have entered into partnership under The Pilgrim Federation of Church of England Schools.

The four schools will now come together under an executive head teacher and single governing body to make the best possible use of resources and achieve greater efficiency in order to raise standards across the federation.

The Pilgrim Federation will officially be launched at a service of thanksgiving at St Nicholas Church, Blakeney, led by the Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham James.

The service on 19 April will be joined by around 160 pupils as well as parents, staff and members of the village communities.

Children from the schools will process into the church with banners, and lead songs of worship and prayers.