Schools across Scotland have taken to Twitter to highlight pupils' efforts in completing the Pope Benedict XVI Caritas Award programme.

A total of 1280 young people took part, dedicating 40 hours’ service to their local church and community to help others and renew their own commitment to the Catholic faith.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, Bishop President for Education, sent a message to pupils across Scotland, saying: "I hope that the Caritas programme has strengthened your commitment to love God above all things and to serve our neighbour as Christ asked us to do, and that you will treasure your Caritas medal."

Archbishop Leo Cushley, of St Andrews & Edinburgh, said: "Congratulations to all pupils in the Archdiocese and across Scotland who completed the Caritas award programme this year. Thank you for your commitment to living out the faith by helping others."

The Scottish Catholic Education Service Tweeted: "This year pupils completed 51,200 hours of voluntary faith witness in home, school, parish and community = 2,133 days of service to others = 6 years of loving others!

In a message to pupils, John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister, "The difference that your energy  and the values that you hold make to the people around you and more widely is truly inspiring."

St Margaret's Academy in Livingston told pupils: "The voluntary hours you completed, many more than were needed, showed how committed you are to both the school & wider community."

The Pope Benedict XVI CARITAS AWARD encourages and promotes the ongoing faith journey of young people. To find out more visit the SCES website here