STUDENTS and teachers from Malmesbury School found out what it was like to be soldier in the First World War last month.

As part of a four-day tour, representatives from the school visited France and Belgium,where they handled and examined artefacts from the war, which took place between 1914 and 1918, and took part in a unique education programme run by the Institute of Education (IOE).

Barney Whiffin and Tyler Ongley were chosen to represent Malmesbury School on the trip and were accompanied by History teacher Mr Bryant.

As part of the trip the students visited Belgium where they visited a range of museums and cemeteries and the site of the Battle of the Somme, where 58,000 British troops died.

Emma Guthrie, a spokeswoman for the school, said: “The trip has really got the students reflecting on the First World War and its relevance to today. Remembering the local soldiers enabled them to personalise the experience and understand why we must remember them.”

Now back at school the students are completing a project, which is enabling them to share their experiences the battlefield sites through developing post tour community projects.