AN EMOTIONAL tribute to soldiers who died during the First World War has been paid by Kidderminster pupils during a visit to two European battle sites.

A group of 40 year nine students from King Charles I School, Comberton Road, visited Belgium and France to investigate the lives of former pupils of the school who fought in the 1914 to 1918 conflict.

They were taken to the Belgian town of Ypres - the scene of some intense battles between the German and Allied forces during the war - before visiting the infamous Somme in France, where in 1916 more than 1 million people were wounded or killed.

King Charles I School history teacher, Gary Tomlinson, said: "It is a fascinating experience for the pupils, some of whom are travelling abroad for the first time.

"Those that came on the trip found it extremely moving and seeing these important historical monuments is an invaluable educational experience."