From Afghanistan to Blackpool - a Remembrance Day Gateway youngsters will never forget

Pupils marked Armistice Day by speaking to a serving officer from his base in war-ravaged Afghanistan.

Sergeant Jonathan Snelling who has been in the Royal Air Force for the last 20 years, "visited" the Seymour Road school for a question and answers session - via Zoom .

The unusual link-up was organised by his brother and year five teacher David, who also made tours of Iraq during his time in the RAF.

The idea was to try to help pupils better understand the meaning of why we mark the special event and give them a chance to quiz a serving soldier on life in the armed forces.

Mr Snelling was impressed with the thought the pupils put into their questions.

Headteacher Sue Robinson said the children felt honoured to be able to talk openly with a serving soldier and had given great thought to the questions they wanted to pose.

It was, she said, a great opportunity for children to be able to find out more about his role and how this fits in with remembering those killed in previous wars and conflict.

She added: “This was a unique and very stimulating opportunity offered to the children at Gateway and we feel very privileged to be able to engage in this way.

“It gave them a much wider understanding of why we commemorate November 11 every year, particularly with the restrictions of Covid and extended their knowledge and was a fantastic experience for all involved in Key Stage Two particularly.”

The whole school marked Remembrance in a variety of ways including setting up a garden of remembrance in the grounds.

Poppies made by the infants were given pride of place.

Reception teaching assistant Mrs Pam Musgrave- Haddow made her mark by donating a plaque.

Other events included an impressive display of war-time memorabilia provided by staff and families.