A SERVICE is being held to commemorate former pupils of a North-East school who died during the Battle of Passchendaele.

Durham School and the Old Dunelmian Society have installed a plaque to remember its former pupils who died in the First World War.

It has been placed at St George’s Church, in Ypres, Belgium, which was built as a memorial to British and Commonwealth troops.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Passchendaele, one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.

A service is being held at the school’s chapel tomorrow to dedicate the plaque for pupils and friends of the school.

Headmaster Kieran McLaughlin will lay a wreath while Reverend Gillian Trinder, chaplain of St George’s, will dedicate a plaque.

Mr McLaughlin said: “536 Old Dunelmians enlisted to serve their country during the First World War,”

“The plaque is a poignant reminder of their sacrifice, and especially the sacrifice of the 103 who would never return.”

For more information or if you would like to attend the service email od@durhamschool.co.uk.