STUDENTS have learnt about the First World War by visiting the battlefields of Belgium.

Year 9 pupils from Teesdale School in Barnard Castle spent time looking at memorials, trenches and First World War Museums.

The 72 teenagers also visited Diksmuide Tower, the Trench of Death and Ypres.

They also went to the Somme battlefields and saw Vimy Ridge.

The group visited the town of Albert where student Nick Tuck was the first known relative to visit the grave of his great great-grandfather, William Coulson of the Northumberland Fusiliers.

Teacher Cassie Flint said: "For all of us the highlight of our visit was when our school was privileged to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate.

"The ceremony takes place every evening at eight oclock and five of our students proudly laid a beautiful wreath of spring flowers from all students and staff at the school.

"As the bugle sounded and then a solitary piper played, we were all moved and felt that this was the climax of an unforgettable experience."