IT was a proud moment for the pupils, staff and parents of Alderley Edge School for Girls as the ribbon was cut to launch their first school magazine, Muse. And Cheshire Life was delighted to be there to mark the historic moment.

Put together by a team from the school's sixth form and aided by teacher Laura Telford, the magazine is 80-plus pages of quality writing, colourful photographs and fantastic artwork.

Editors Catherine Tate and Leisha Beardmore said: 'When the opportunity arose of creating the school magazine, many of us jumped at the chance to be involved. For us it was a chance to celebrate our school's achievements and to create something unique, something we could all be proud of.'

Topics covered include some of the pupils' school trips, including one to America and Vicky Spedding writes about how pupils visited New York, Philadelphia and Washington and posed outside The White House. A group of girls also had an exciting time in Bolivia, and Jess Keely and Abbie Franks recall their Indiana Jones- style adventures including swimming with crocodiles, bathing with piranhas and getting stuck in the rainforest.

Closer to home was a visit to activity centre Kingswood and Lucy Lynche writes about how youngsters took part in team challenges that included rock climbing, crawling through tunnels and a laser quest as well as making their own music.

A Music Tour to Disneyland Paris and Belgium is also recalled by Emma Spedding. Pupils enjoyed seeing 'sun, sand and the Space Mountain' and performing at the Lucky Nugget Saloon at the theme park. Music is a big part of the school, and Alex Barrie recalls that during the festive season pupils performed carol and Christmas concerts both in the school and around Alderley Edge.

Drama is another important part of school activities and pupils write about everything from visits to see Porgy and Bess, to performing pantomime to the Nativity play called No Room For A Baby. Other topics written about by students include sporting goals, academic achievements, art, design and charity. The magazine features poems, cartoons and a message from Canon Brian Young who retires from the school this year.

Editors Catherine and Leisha said: 'No-one said making the magazine would be easy. No-one told us it would be quite so demanding. Seeing the finished product makes all the blood, sweat, tears, sleepless nights and creative differences worthwhile.'

Headmistress Kathy Hills added: 'I am proud to have such a talented group of potential journalists and creative directors in the school.'