A DARLINGTON school has marked the centenary of Armistice Day by planting a cherry blossom tree in the grounds.

Pupils at Longfield Academy spent a lesson learning about the history of the poppy and its meaning, and writing messages on tags about how they felt about the First World War, which they then tied to the tree.

Any students who were involved with organisations such as the Army Cadets, Guides or Scouts were invited to wear their uniforms for the day, and the whole school of nearly 1,000 observed a two-minutes silence at 11am, during which they were encouraged to reflect on those who gave their lives in the great war.

Student Reigan Porter, who is in the Army Cadets, said that he thought the tree planting was a really good idea, and that he was happy to come to school in his cadet uniform to mark the day.

The tree was donated by the sister of Assistant Head Teacher, Stuart Rawle, who is sales manager at a nursery in Knutsford.

Stuart said: “Planting the tree is a lovely way for the students to remember Armistice Day, and what they were part of in 2018.”