CHILDREN were put through their paces when they were taught to “be the best” by the country’s heroes.

Soldiers from the Territorial Army (TA) visited Clarendon Primary School as part of pupils’ study of both the World Wars — which was given extra poignancy given 2104 marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.

Members of the armed services were drafted into the Great Lever school to help children empathise with what life was like during both wars.

They helped to build an Anderson Shelter from the Second World War and put young people through army drills on the grounds of the school in Recreation Street, before explaining the significance of Remembrance Day and the Last Post, which was sounded at the event in which children stood in respectful silence.

Headteacher Mrs Vicky Chatterjee said: “We wanted to do something a little bit different with the children as part of the their study of World War One and World War Two, so they could have a feel of what life was like.

"The children responded brilliantly to the sergeant.

“We have a few children who want to go in the army and it was great for them to have this experience.”

Parents were also invited in to see the work children had undertaken, as well as being served up traditional foods that people in wartime Britain would have eaten.

They had a drink of Ovaltine in the Anderson shelter with carrot biscuits to add an authentic touch.

Mrs Chatterjee said: “The sergeant was really good with the children — I think the parents were more frightened.

“The TA said that would be happy to help again and we will be taking them up on the offer.”

The Bolton News:

Saffa Arshid and Muaaz Patel, both aged nine