THE First World War was brought back to life when a range of activities were staged last week.

More than 800 youngsters at Garth Hill College spent last week learning about the key decisions that led to the start of the war in August 1914.

Years 7, 8 and 9 designed an Army recruitment poster, learned Morse code and built barricades with sandbags in their mission to learn what life was really like during the war.

Trench warfare, sewing and the games and toys during that time were also explored.

On Friday, staff from Arborfield Garrison visited with military hardware and the whole school witnessed the firing of an 18-pound field gun.

Keith Grainger, the school’s principal, said: “We had a number of events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict, which will run into subsequent years.” He thanked staff and Arborfield Garrison for their hard work in making the week such a success.

The Binfield branch of the Royal British Legion also staged an exhibition of First World War memorabilia at the village’s memorial hall on Saturday. Families loaned out photographs and prized assets from relatives who had experienced the war, including people in uniform, letters and ammunition.

A pocket Bible that gave a Binfield soldier comfort during gunfire was also on display.