A GROUP of schoolchildren took learning about the Second World War to the next level after building their own Anderson air-raid shelter.

Year Six pupils at Staindrop C of E Primary School, in Staindrop, Teesdale, got stuck into the task set by their class teacher, Lesley Davidson.

And with a lot of help from their award-winning caretaker, Michael Scott, the pupils quickly managed to construct the shelter at the back of the school which was completed in March.

They even managed to use some corrugated steel from the old scout hut for added effect.

Mrs Davidson said it was the first time the students had built a shelter but that it had really helped them write their own stories and make models of it.

The students also enjoyed a trip to the Eden Camp Museum, in North Yorkshire.

“We have been doing the topic so it was a link and they had to write instructions on how to build an Anderson shelter and they also made their own models,” she said.

“They loved it and it was a good opportunity to get them involved with their writing.”