Shropshire's young people take time to remember the war dead

From primary pupils to college students, young people were keen to learn more about the conflicts and pay their respects.

Around 600 students attended a voluntary service at Telford College of Arts and Technology, where those enrolled on uniformed public service courses, stood to attention and The Last Post was played.

They were joined by members of Armed Forces units from Trench and Dawley, police cadets, representatives of the Fire and Rescue Service and a bandsman from the Royal Marines.

The event was organised by TCAT's public services lecturer Archie Walkerdine. "It's grown from a small thing, but now we invite the entire college," he said.

"We would like to get some veterans to take part but at 11am it's difficult because they're with other groups. To me it's more about the young people."

The college had been marking the two-minute Armistice silence by ringing a bell, but for the past five years, hundreds of students have taken time to come to the Super Dome to join the service.

Among them was Brad Jarvis, 20, who is studying an engineering apprenticeship.

"We're giving our time to remember what they gave for us. They're fighting to look after the country and they're away from their families," he said.

With British involvement in Afghanistan in its 13th year, young people have grown up in a country engaged in foreign conflicts.

"That's what we know for our age group," added Brad: "It's what we've grown up with. Even though we're young we still realise how important it is to people. There's probably lots of people here who have lost family members."

Patrick Davies, 16, who is studying health and social care, said his brother was currently serving in Afghanistan. "It's about paying respect to those who have passed and those who are still there," he added.

Primary school children have also been taking part in services.

In Shrewsbury, children of St Giles' Church of England Primary School researched the sacrifice made by men, women and animals during the First World War. The school also had a visit by a story teller to describe the struggles of the war to mark the 100th anniversary of its start.

And in Hadley, young people took part in a parade to mark the 11th hour, with cadets joining scouts and other groups to pay their respects.

Young people in Oswestry paid their own tributes to fallen soldiers by creating a smaller version of the ceramic poppy display which has filled the moat at the Tower of London.

Students from the art department of Walford and North Shropshire College created 53 poppies as a memorial to men from the town's Cambrian Railways Company who died in the First World War.

Andrew Tullo, from Cambrian Heritage Railways, and volunteer historian Alex Davies gave students a guided tour of the exhibition. Mr Tullo said he was very pleased to see the finished memorial.

He said: "We are very conscious of the contribution made by the Cambrian Railway to the war effort from 1914, and are pleased that Walford students are showing their respect to the railway men."

Students and staff at The Marches School, Morda Road, Oswestry, spent the day taking part in activities ranging from training sessions with the army, to studying espionage, propaganda and injuries.

History teacher Helena Griffiths, who organised the event, said: "We had some workshops with actors as well, and students got into character as a WWI Tommy Soldier and from a woman at war perspective."

Staff and pupils at Adcote School in Little Ness also used their Remembrance events to round off a year of activities learning about the First World War. On Sunday, pupils and staff of Adcote School attended a special remembrance service in Little Ness Church. After the service, a wreath was laid by the headmaster Gary Wright at the Little Ness war memorial.

Uniformed public service students at Walford and North Shropshire College have spent Remembrance Week fundraising for the Poppy Appeal in partnership with the Royal British Legion.

In addition to street collections and a stall in Shrewsbury's Market Square, the students have taken part in Poppy Runs at WNSC's Oswestry and Walford Campuses.

Last year the students raised nearly £5,000 for the appeal and they are hoping that they can top that this year.

Steve Hunter, uniformed public services lecturer, said: 'This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to develop the skills required for voluntary work and working in the public services.

"They have shown tremendous enthusiasm and commitment. We have received many positive comments from the public about the students and excellent feedback from the Royal British Legion."

Josh Squibb, a level 2student, said: "I think that the public services course is a wonderful course. The volunteering is hard work, but it all pays off. It's nice to give something back to those who risk their lives for us."

Youngsters at a Shropshire school welcomed some special guests while learning all about World War One.

Children at Market Drayton Infant School started their topic with a visit from members of the Royal Irish Regiment, who spoke about heroes and the role animals played in the war.

Colour Sergeant Cree presented a school assembly telling the pupils all about local hero Private Harold Whitfield, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery. The children were thrilled to meet the regiment's mascot dog Finn and his handler Ranger Evangelista.