A YORK school says a three-day trip to St Petersburg involving about 40 of its students and six of its staff has gone ahead, despite yesterday's bombing on a train in the Russian city.

The group, which includes students from Year 10 up to Sixth Form from the independent Bootham School, arrived in St Petersburg along with staff this morning.

Yesterday, 14 people died in an explosion between two underground stations in the city.

The students and staff were in Moscow when the bombing happened. They caught a train from the capital city last night and will now spend three days in St Petersburg.

Gavin Blackstone, a bursar at the school, says all students and staff are safe and that the school fully considered the trip to St Petersburg before the group's journey overnight.

He explained: "We considered the best options for pupils. We took the best advice from the travel company on the ground there and the travel company liaised with authorities in Russia.

"We have been in contact with parents and are giving them updates. They are fully aware and happy with the situation.

"Pupils have been in touch with parents as well.

"Everyone is safe and well."

Mr Blackstone added that there is "absolutely no cause for concern" and that St Petersburg is "operating as normal today."

He also says there are students currently on trips to St Petersburg from several other schools.

The group travelled to Russia last Friday and will be returning home this Friday.