AN interactive programme which uses actors, virtual sessions and objects to tell the stories of County Durham soldiers has been produced to teach children the importance of remembrance.

Durham County Council and the Durham Light Infantry Collection have put together ‘We Will Remember Them’, a programme to be used in schools to bring the stories of local soldiers into the classroom.

Brought to life by actor Marty Bloomfield of Circurama, playing the part of his real Great Uncle Hugh McDonald who served with the DLI, two virtual activity sessions are being delivered to schools via video link for assemblies, individual class assemblies, or as a workshop to help children learn about Remembrance Day.

Durham County Councillor Joy Allen said: “The DLI’s new programme is an engaging and interactive way to teach children the significance of remembrance.

“In these virtual sessions, which have been made secure to keep everyone involved safe during the coronavirus pandemic, pupils can explore what types of tokens, objects, medals, letters and photos that families would keep in memory of their loved ones, while learning why it is important to remember and tell the stories of those who have served in conflicts.”

The sessions have been developed to be Covid-secure and pupils taking part in the assembly will receive an individual remembrance token representing a real soldier that they can keep.

The workshop involves exploring a box of objects which tell the stories of different DLI soldiers from across time periods and conflicts, including the First and Second World War, Borneo and Afghanistan, with activities including discussion, creative writing and art.

This includes a poem written by the daughter of Corporal Lee Brownson, from Bishop Auckland, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.

The new remembrance workshops are almost fully booked but there is still availability for assembly sessions.

To find out more, call 03000 266631 or contact dlicollectionenquiries@durham.gov.uk.