AUDIENCES packed into Stonyhurst College to catch three performances of a musical written by two former pupils.

The production of the musical called Vision filled Stonyhurst College Academy Room in the Ribble Valley village.

The original piece, based on the life of St Bernadette, was written by former pupils Jonathan Smith and Dominic Hartley who now live in London.

Head of English Larry Crouch was director. Bria Crouch, aged 18, played the lead role of Bernadette with co-stars 16-year-old Jessica McFarlane as Croisine and Eleanor Higgins, also 16, as a barmaid.

The musical was described as a "rock opera" by author Jonathan Smith.

He said: "It does not aim to give an accurate account of the life of St Bernadette but to put the story in context."

St Bernadette, born in Lourdes, France, lived her life as a nun after the Virgin Mary appeared to her.

Peter Anwell, public relations officer for Stonyhurst said: "Everyone came away moved and exhilarated not only by the timeless message but also by the magic of the production and the quality of the singing."