HISTORY was brought to life as school pupils enjoyed the opportunity to get their hands on a collection of rare artefacts dating back to the First World War. Around 300 children at St James’ CE School in Farnworth, took part in the annual session, which this year was part of their work commemorating the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

Last Thursday and Friday, |Years Eight and Nine pupils had the chance to examine and even try on a collection of wartime memorabilia, provided by expert Jason King.

Jonathan Heyes, the school’s head of history, said: “This year, to commemorate the ending of the Battle of the Somme, the idea we came up with was that pupils could use the artefacts to help them learn about 10 different stories from that time.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for the kids to touch and even try on these artefacts, which are rare and expensive things.

“In the eight years I have been head of history at St James’, we have brought Jason in every year and the feedback we get from the children is excellent.

“It is all about bringing history to life and making sure that these important stories are remembered.”

Each of the 10 stories showcased in the exhibition had a table of artefacts, including rifles, bayonets, and barbed wire that had been dug up from around The Somme.

As part of their World War One centenary commemorations, the school is also starting to build an online archive of pupils’ own personal stories from their family history.

My Heyes added: “None of the kids who were participating had ever had the chance to hold an artefact from 100 years ago, never mind try them on.

“Jason is taking a big risk with these things by taking them to schools all over the country, because they are very precious and vulnerable items.

“I think as soon as the pupils get the chance to hold them they understand their importance and take care of them as best they can.”