A GROUP of students and staff from Trinity High School recently made the trip to Ypres in Belgium to remember the fallen and commemorate the beginning of the First World War.

They visited the sites of battles, for example Geluvelt, where the bravery of men from the Worcestershire regiment had a huge impact on the early stages of the Great War.

Members of the sixth form laid a wreath from the school at the memorial commemorating the fallen from the Worcestershire during the first battle of Ypres.

They visited Essex Farm cemetery where there is a memorial to John McRae the author of ‘In Flanders Fields’.

A school spokesman said: "Alex Harrison read the poem aloud and a serving Canadian soldier commented how beautifully Alex read and presented him with a pin from the Canadian regiments.

"A wonderful moment connecting the past, present and future.

"Our students were a part of history when they took part in the last post service at the Menin Gate on November 11- the 100 year anniversary."

Representatives of our group wore their ‘Young Explorers’ uniforms and standing shoulder to shoulder with local dignitaries, the German ambassador, servicemen and women, members of the Royal British Legion, the Scots Guards, the Lancashire Police band and the Mayor of Ypres laid a wreath from the school commemorating the fallen of our school. One of our students writes:

Student Megan Wright said: “Being at the Menin Gate on the 100th anniversary was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m very grateful for being there."

The third day was spent researching the second battle of Ypres, visiting the Paschendaele museum and Tyne Cott. The school's final act of remembrance was laying a wreath in front of the wall of remembrance for the fallen of Worcestershire at Tyne Cott and students laid remembrance posts during a time of private reflection.

The school spokesman added: "Our students were delightful: well mannered and a credit to the school, their parents and carers. Thank you to all those who took part in this very special, often sad and poignant trip. We will remember.”