A secondary school in Harlesden celebrated its 125th birthday with a VIP visit from the Catholic Chaplain for Sport.

Mgr Vladimir Felzmann met staff and students at Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College in Crownhill Road, before officially opening the school’s new fitness suite.

Appointed in his role by the Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Mgr Felzmann’s responsibilities are to ensure that the Diocese of Westminster responds to the challenges and opportunities given to us by Olympic Games in 2012.

Princess Johnson, the school’s head of PE, said: “The new fitness suite boasts both cardiovascular machines such as cross trainers and treadmills as well as a multi-gym which is used for muscle strength and toning.

“This initiative is geared toward affording girls the opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle post- secondary school as well as training them on how to exercise safely.”

The all-girls Roman Catholic school was established in 1888 in by a group of French nuns called the Congregation of Jesus and Mary sisters.

Starting off as a private boarding school for girls it became a state school in the 1950s.

Geraldine Freear, headteacher, said: “We are challenged to continue to provide a first class education for young people equipping them with skills that will ensure them a strong faith and a good position in the world of work.

“I find it incredible that the bricks of the corridors of the Convent building heard the prayers of the very first sisters back in 1888.

“Today they hear our prayers. We are making history ourselves.”