TWO award-winning poems written by pupils were placed inside a wreath which was presented at The Menin Gate during a special remeberance for the centenary of the Armistice.

Youngsters at Soudley School were proud to receive commemorative coins for the poems they wrote for the local branch of the Royal British Legion, marking the 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Members from the Cinderford Branch of the RBL asked several local schools to enter a competition which initially wanted just one winner.

And Soudley School were extremely proud when they were informed that two of their pupils had been successful. 

Their two poems were placed inside a wreath and presented at The Menin Gate during the service to remember those who had fallen during the Great War.

Florence Perkins, who is aged 11, wrote: “Wreckage, mines and loved ones lost,/Young and old, who fought for us./The dead who will remain in our heart,/As a hundred years comes and goes,/

“It will never be forgot./War is painful,/Let there be no more,/As we stand together and make peace/between us all.”

Alisha Drew, who is also 11, wrote an award-winning acrostic poem, where the first letters of each line spell out the first word “Memories”.

“Memories are all we have/Ever grateful for your lives/Many lives lost but not forgotten/Obituary posted, tears cried/Remembering loved ones/In our hearts forever/Epitaph of names/Silence…bravery never forgotten.”

The school has also made a poppy display from recycled materials that is being displayed in the village.