PUPILS have been turning plastic bottles into bright red poppies to create their own ‘Weeping Window’ in honour of those in their village who died at war.

Year five and six pupils at Burgh by Sands School, near Carlisle, have spent the last two months learning about World War One in a cross-curricular project.

It has seen them write poignant poetry, read War Horse and recycle while examining and researching the stories of those whose names are on the local war memorial.

The children are also going to see the stage production of War Horse in Glasgow in the new year.

Sheena Hetherington, a higher level teaching assistant in the school, said: “We’re also looking forward to trip to Tullie House next week to take part in workshops looking at life on the Home Front and the impact of war on those at home.

“We’re also going to be looking at Life on the Front with a session at Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life.”

She added: “The children have also been inspired by the poppies at Carlisle Castle and wanted to recreate that in the school grounds. “When selecting materials to build our weeping window, the children asked to use plastic as they are aware of environmental plastic problems in recent news articles.”

A total of 220 poppies made by the 30 children now adorned the school grounds. Children also made a selection of crosses. Each one of the crosses has been inspired by the 16 local men who fell in the two world wars.

Hayden Merritt, a pupil in year six, said: “I fell upset that they gave their lives for us.”

Stuart Dickinson, also in year six, said: “I felt empty because they’ve been in Burgh where we are now and they didn’t get to come home.”

Mrs Hetherington said: “The children have been so engaged. I think it has been brought to life for them. They’ve also carefully researched everything, done so much, explored local history and were able to touch artefacts.”

“They’ve also been writing diaries as if they were living in the trenches.

“We’ve been so impressed by their work and how they have really got into this topic.”

Year five pupil Seth Boddam-Whetham said: “It’s like being transported back in time.”

Millie Young, who is in year six, said: “It seems harsh to think of people who died in no-man’s land.

“The thought of what they were going to and what the actual reality was is shocking.”