The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales visited two schools in Hampstead last Wednesday.

The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, visited St Mary’s School, Fitzjohn’s Avenue and St Anthony’s School, Arkwright Road.

The visit was organised by parents Catherine McNaught and Deirdra Allen who both attended a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with the archbishop. They had asked him during a reunion with all the pilgrims in January.

Deirdra Allen, of Allerdale Road, Hampstead, whose two daughters, Eva and Ingrid, attend St Mary’s said: “It was an honour to have him come and visit the children.

“It was incredible for him to take time out to speak to them about faith and kindness.”

Headmistress Angela Rawlinson said: “St Mary’s was delighted and honoured to welcome the archbishop. His message was about caring for others and how actions speak louder than words.”

He went on to visit St Anthony’s. Headteacher Paul Keyte said: “We were delighted to welcome him. He met the younger boys and then addressed the older boys and took questions.”

“The school was delighted to present him with certificates confirming significant donations to the Catholic Children’s Society of Westminster and the Cardinal Hume Centre; this tied in well with the Archbishop’s address which focused on the need to help others.”