A POIGNANT trip to the First World War battlefields in France and Belgium left a lasting impression on two Haslingden High School students.
They travelled, with history teacher Mandy Pollard and three coaches of students from Lancashire, for the four-day visit.
Year 10 students Oliver Cameron and Alice Harding walked on the fields where soldiers had fought in trenches, went to Tyne Cot Cemetery and observed the Last Post at the Menin Gate.
Alice, 14, said: “It was really interesting and was a great experience. I have learnt about the history in lessons but it was very moving to be at the memorial at Tyne Cot and to see all those names of soldiers who had died.
“It made the history that I had learnt more real.”
Mrs Pollard said: “They also went to the Accrington Pals memorial and we will be doing some work leading up to the service for the Pals next February.
“Each coach had a soldier on board who was able to answer any questions and Alice never stopped asking questions.
“The soldiers were extremely well informed about the battles and that really added to the trip.”
Both students got to take part in the government-funded trip after staff put their names forward.
They also created a sculpture of a soldier that will form part of a large display to remember those who died on the Belgian battlefields.