A HISTORY trip to First World War battlefields left lasting memories for students at Haslingden High School.

Richelle Scott, 14, and John Fielding, 15, laid wreaths on behalf of the school at the Menin Gate.

Richelle said: “It was quite a proud moment to to lay the wreath and something I will never forget.”

They also visited cemeteries where Allied and German soldiers were laid to rest.

John said: “In the German cemetery there was a mass grave and plaques with up to 40 names on them. It was a depressing place.

“By contrast in the Allied cemetery the white gravestones stood out and it was really well maintained. One grave was for a 14-year-old boy.

“Making a trip like this puts life into perspective. It makes you think about what really matters and what doesn’t.”

The students also explored what life was like in the trenches by visiting a preserved First World War trench.