HEROES of World War One were remembered by young historians at a Bolton school who explored the reasons when and why the conflict began.

Lord’s Independent School held a special day as part of its commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the war.

Pupils were transported back in time to 1914 with the school decorated to reflect the era as they took part in a discussion about why war broke out.

Films were shown depicting the conditions of the trenches for the men and the horses, compared to the conditions officers had, with children discussing class differences and the rights and wrongs of the issues.

There was a display of artefacts from the war, which the children had a chance to try on and hold.

In the afternoon, youngsters got a taste of life in the army, and took part in square bashing, marching in formation, should-ering arms and following orders in issued in loud voices in the school, which had been transformed into a British base camp, with the flags of the allies flying above.

Principal Anne Ainsworth said: “School was decorated for the time period and the pupils wore authentic-style costumes from the time and tasters of the types of sweet and confect-ionery were provided which soon disappeared.

“The day started with a talk and discussion about how the war began and why, how censorship worked, and why people at home didn’t know the true conditions at the front.

“The pupils were amazed to discover that Bolton had been bombed and which areas had suffered.”

As part of the day, pupils and teachers had their faces painted camouflage-style.

Kerry Wallwork, aged 13, said: “It makes me think about what I have today.

“The soldiers would have been terrified and missed their families who they may never have got back to.

“They had no food or showers. Lice bit their skin and sucked their blood. It would have been an experience that no one could even bear to think of.”