MORE than one million Commonwealth servicemen and women were killed during World War One.

The losses were felt in almost every town and village in the UK and what was then the British Empire.

And in memory of local former students and members of the Horwich and Blackrod community who lost their lives, students and staff at Rivington and Blackrod High School have spent time exploring the impact that the war had on their community through a summer school.

The project won the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund which gave the school a £9,100 grant. Following a trip to the Menin Gate War Memorial in Belgium at the end of term, students embarked on a series of activities to remember those who died.

They created a website in honour of those who were involved in the war, entitled Rivington Remembers; took a trip to the Imperial War Museum in Manchester and looked through historical archives at Bolton Museum.

They learnt what it was like to live through the war, living off rations, or be a soldier on the front line. Tony Purcell, headteacher at Rivington and Blackrod High School, said: “Rivington and Blackrod High School was founded in 1566 and the school has held an important place in this community for centuries.

“It is with pride and honour that we remember our former students’ who gave their lives for our country, and it is great to see our current students developing a true understanding of life at time.

“Thank you to the Heritage Lottery Fund and our staff who have helped to make this happen, and students for their dedication and commitment to this summer school.”