Site manager Kirk Blakemore organised a very special parade and service so Aycliffe pupils could mark Remembrance Day within school on 11th November.

Each class acted as a regiment and created their own standard, and one of the pupils who is also an army cadet, Kai, carried the Union flag in the parade.

School cook Ana Conceilcao created poppy-themed cupcakes. Teacher Alexander Grady played the Last Post and Reveille on the saxophone, and Kirk said the act of remembrance. Everyone then marked a minute's silence.

Kirk was in the military for 26 years before joining Aycliffe School from the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps. The service he organised was a Drumhead service, a short service typically held by the Army in the field when a church or minister is not available.

He said: "This is close to my heart being retired military, and having been to many areas of campaign in my service. I wanted to do a parade within the school and bring remembrance here."