Schoolchildren taking part in the JC2000 arts festival have been discussing the true meaning of the millennium with the Education Secretary, David Blunkett.

The festival is intended to get children thinking about the words and actions of Jesus and how they relate to them as individuals, to their families and to society as a whole.

But it is a multi-faith celebration, welcomed by senior representatives of all the UK's main religions and working within schools' religious education syllabuses.

The organisers say that more than half the UK's schools - 18,300 - are involved, with children creating drama, dance, art and music to mark the new millennium.

There is to be a series of regional festivals starting next month across England, with national festivals in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and a UK finale at the Royal Albert Hall in June.

Some of those taking part met David Blunkett at Westminster, and posed some questions.

"If Jesus Christ was secretary of state for education, what policies to you think he would adopt?" was one.

Mr Blunkett said: "I think he would encourage us to be good citizens, teach us about self-development, making young people caring, well-rounded men and women who respect themselves and others."

Five schools among those selected to represent their region at a festival event had been invited to send pupils to brief Mr Blunkett on what they were planning.

They were Canon Slade School, Bolton, The Dales Primary School, Hull, Thornhill Primary School, Islington, London, Heathfield School, Pinner, Middlesex, and St Alphege Junior School, Solihull.