A group of Rokeby School boys had the honour of commemorating those who gave their lives in battle during World War I recently, by taking part in the nightly wreath laying ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.

The six pupils, who all have strong family links with soldiers who fought in and around the town during the Great War, were given the honour of laying two wreaths on the steps of the memorial while the last post was sounded.

Ypres was the centre of sustained fighting during World War I, as Germany sought to skirt around France’s heavily defended eastern border and attack from the north via Belgium.

Head of French Mr Belbin said: “This was truly an honour for both the boys and Rokeby School.”

Following the ceremony, 35 boys and five teachers travelled to Paris for the rest of their trip, taking a tour of Le Stade de France, a boat trip on the Seine and six hours of language tuition in a city-centre language school.

For more on schools visit our Education section