JUNIOR school pupils are embarking on a time team adventure which will lead them to a First World War battlefield.

Year five and six pupils from St Helens Parish CE Primary School are searching for facts about the St Helens soldier who won a coveted Victoria Cross in the 1914-18 conflict.

They will also be respectfully searching through gravestones and visiting war memorials in the borough to glean information on local casualties, victims of the war and the Pals battalions.

In the summer they will visit the Somme and lay wreaths and poppies at the Memorial to the Missing in Northern France. Since October pupils have been raising funds for the trip abroad, which is part of their Adventure Service Challenge.

Deputy head teacher Mark Thomas said pupils had raised money by running a tuck shop, a disco and organised a sponsored walk.

“We want the children to appreciate the sacrifices people have made for us,” said Mr Thomas.

“We intend ‘adopting’ a First World War soldier and finding more out about their lives to really bring home the history of the war.”