Staff, visitors and students at King James I Academy have taken part in a special event in school to mark 108 years since the Armistice of 1918 that ended World War I.

Headteacher, Simon Whitehead led the service by reading Laurence Binyon’s poem, For the Fallen; he was joined at the Academy war memorial and garden by Chair of Governors, Elizabeth Varley, and former service personnel, George Campbell and David Henderson. The Last Post echoed around the school grounds, played on the bugle by Sixth Form Mentor, John Middleton before the two-minute silence began. Mr Campbell then laid a traditional poppy wreath.

King James student cadets from the local RAF and Army, plus student representatives from local Scouts and Girl Guides, were honoured to be able to join the service and pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives in conflict. Former students of King James who were killed in battle are named on the new Academy memorial; this offers a poignant addition to the existing memorial garden, a peaceful place for reflection, which can be visited by the whole community.