Kingshurst school plays host to First World War service

A LIFE-size replica of a First World War trench has been chosen as the setting for a special service to commemorate 100 years since the start of the Battle of the Somme.
Civic leaders will gather in the 130ft bunker, which was dug in the grounds of the CTC Kingshurst Academy two years ago, to remember the local men who lost their lives during the bloodletting a century ago.
In total, 24 soldiers who had lived or studied in Solihull died on the opening day of the offensive, which took place on July 1, 1916.
More than 100 others from around the borough were killed in the months that followed, with military chiefs finally bringing the effort to an end in the November of that year.
There will be poetry readings by CTC students and a minute's silence at the event.
The Mayor of Solihull, Coun Mike Robinson, is among the dignitaries attending on the day.
"The Battle of the Somme was one of the most devastating battles in British history," he said.
"This commemoration event will be a fitting tribute to those who fell from across the country but particularly from Solihull."
While the service is invite-only, the following day (Saturday) there will be a public exhibition, with information about local people who served in the battlefields of France and genuine artefacts on display.
Children will also have an opportunity to take part in rope-climbing, learn how to apply a medical dressing and find out about the periscopes which were used by those fighting on the Western Front.

• You can read more about the event in the July edition of our digital newspaper.