SCHOOLCHILDREN imagined what life must have been like in the trenches as they united to create a poignant memorial ceremony at Lowe House Church on Armistice Day.

Children from Carr Mill Primary, Eaves Primary, Garswood Primary, Merton Bank, Robins Lane, St John Vianney, St Thomas of Canterbury were present at Lowe House Church for the inspirational service and supported the work of the St Helens Pals Project.

The pupils had written their own poems, stories and letters from the front, and the moving collection was read to an audience of pupils, governors and adults.

The service started with dancers in red tops and black shorts gracing the altar. A slow walk from every corner the church, finishing on the steps was symbolic of the gathering of troops of World War One.

And a touching silence descended as heads were bowed while the chimes of the great clock on the tower of Lowe House struck to mark the eleventh hour.

To finish off the morning, Manager of the St Helens PalsProject Peter Harvey said a few words beginning with the message: “From history we learn that from history we do not learn” and spoke of the many lessons the pupils have taken from their work.

Pals project historian Richard Waring, one of the authors of the recently published book ‘St Helens Pals’, carried a wreath of poppies in the procession of children from each school, to the St George’s Memorial Chapel at the back of the church, and the service was completed with a hearty singing of the National Anthem.