A SCHOOL in Bracknell has officially opened its own replica of a First World War Trench that allows visitors to walk through it.

Garth Hill College opened the trench on Thursday, June 27 and it has been designed to give visitors an understanding of a soldier’s life on the front line.

During the opening the Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Councillor Ash Merry cut the ribbon in front of the Bracknell Town Mayor, Councillor Isabel Mattick, along with councillors, college staff, governors, parents and pupils from the 1914 committee.

Governor John Garred said: “I was part of the Governing body when the idea was first kicked off and I had heard bits and pieces along the way during development but had no real idea what to expect.

“I was totally taken aback by what I saw and whole heartedly support the words of praise heaped on the 1914 committee and Cliff. What a fantastic achievement.”

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The trench took fours years to complete and the project has been privately funded from various sources, including a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Keith Grainger, headteacher at Garth Hill College, added: “The Trench is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to make a strong connection with the past and engage in the remembrance of the First World War.

“A big thank you to all those who have helped including pupils, our PTFA, staff, and the Rotary Club of Easthampstead. Many locals’ schools also pledged their support when we applied for the grant from the Heritage Fund.

“We are also grateful to our neighbours at Clement House for their patience and understanding.

In the future visitors will benefit from ‘hands on’ educational talks, re-enactment demonstrations, displays and access to supporting digital information.

This trench has also been designed to complement the History curriculum at key stage 3 and at key stage 2 through the study of the British history, which will extend the pupils knowledge.