PAST and present pupils from a Wirral school gathered together to remember former colleagues who have given their lives in service of the country.

Those attending the remembrance service at Birkenhead Park School ranged from 11 to 103.

Past pupils, including George Benson, chair of Rock Ferry Old Boys' Association, joined their current counterparts for the special assembly that was led by a team of Year 11 students, with many guests remarking how confidently teenagers Chris, Kaci, Malisse and Ryan had presented the story of remembrance to such a large audience.

The former students also held a private ceremony at the honours board in the school reception to observe the minute’s silence, after which the respective names of those students from Rock Ferry and Park High School whose lives were lost during World War II were read aloud.

George Benson then closed those proceedings with a recital of Laurence Binyon's poem For the fallen, which includes the famous 'they shall grow not old' ode of remembrance.

The cross-generational group then gathered in the school's memorial garden to pay their respects to former students who passed away more recently.

Deputy headteacher Peter Mee read out each name followed by Mary Elizabeth Frye's Do not stand at my grave and weep and a wreath was laid next to each memorial plaque.

At the grand age of 103, the most senior guest at the service, Cliff Crozier, was more than happy to spend time with the staff and students, sharing his own experiences as a serving officer in the Netherlands during World War II.

An ever-positive figure, Mr Crozier commented on how "exceptionally behaved and respectful" the current crop of school students were, not just during the service but also on a day-to-day basis in the community.

Deputy headteacher Peter Mee said: "I'm thoroughly proud and inspired by the maturity and attention shown by our young students when attending this moving service and I'm extremely thankful for the continued support of our guests who join us year in, year out.

"It is a real pleasure to welcome them all back into the school to share these moments with the generation of today.

"Mr Crozier giving his time to talk to our students about his first-hand experience of war was quite incredible."