SIXTY pupils were evacuated from their school and taken to a prisoner of war camp to learn about the upbringing many of their grandparents had as children during the Second World War.

The youngsters, from Sugar Hill Primary School, in Newton Aycliffe, turned back the clock and wore Forties costumes with gas masks slung over their shoulders.

The pupils, aged ten and 11, dressed as evacuees for a trip to Eden Camp museum, near Malton, in North Yorkshire.

Each year the school's Year 6 pupils have an outing to the former prisoner of war camp, built in 1942, so that they can learn about the war.

This year's visit was made extra special because the school secured a grant from the Homefront Big Lottery fund to pay for the outing as part of the commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the end of the conflict.

Class teacher Chris Ridley said: "It is important for youngsters to learn about history and how previous generations lived, and dressing up really brings it home.

"The trip has never been more significant than this year."