Year 2 pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Tan-y-lan walked 2.6 miles to Llangyfelach Church, inspired by the story of Mary Jones — who saved for six years and walked barefoot to obtain a Bible.

On Monday 20 April, pupils from Year 2 at Ysgol Gymraeg Tan-y-lan made a special journey to Llangyfelach Church, accompanied by the vicar, Rev'd Anthony Porter. The walk was inspired by the class's study of Mary Jones, the Welsh girl whose determination to own a Bible — saving money over six years by selling eggs, honey, and socks before walking barefoot from Llanfihangel y Pennant to Bala — had captured their imagination. The class decided to recreate the spirit of her pilgrimage on a rather shorter route.

On arriving at the church, the children received a warm welcome from the coffee morning group, who came out to greet them with applause. After time in the church retelling the story and hearing about its own history from Rev'd Anthony, the congregation provided squash and biscuits — giving the pupils the energy, as their teacher noted, to walk back to school.

The class teacher wrote: "I would like to thank Vicar Anthony from the bottom of my heart for kindly walking with us all the way and for sharing stories and history, the church for the welcome and the treats, and of course the pupils for being so wonderful throughout the journey. It was a day to remember."

Rev'd Anthony Porter said: "What a joy to journey on this pilgrimage with the pupils of Year 2, Ysgol Tan-y-lan. They had been so enthused by the story of Mary Jones that they wanted to travel on foot to a church and learn more. The Toddler group came out to support them on their arrival and church members offered them squash and biscuits. The church family gave such a generous welcome along with warm hospitality. We covered nearly 3 miles walking — an amazing achievement for the pupils' little legs."