In a touching Remembrance tribute, students learnt about a very special soldier who lost his life in the First World War.

Weymouth historian, Greg Schofield gave a talk to pupils at Holy Trinity School about former teacher Edward Betts.

While researching local people who died in conflict during WWI, Mr Schofield discovered the heartwarming story of Edward Betts who had been a teacher at Holy Trinity.

Mr Schofield gave a fascinating talk to Yr 6 classes and told then about how when another staff member was called up to serve, Mr Betts had selflessly volunteered to serve in the other teacher’s place, as he had greater family responsibilities.

Mr Schofield even showed pupils photographs of Mr Betts.

One student discovered an exciting connection with Mr Betts as their grandmother had been a pupil of his.

Sadly Mr Betts died during the war.

A spokesman for the school said the children were stunned to learn of the numbers of men who lost their lives.

They were also shocked to learn about soldiers whose bodies were not able to be buried and for which a gravestone records their brave service and sacrifice.

On Friday, as it was the closest school day to Remembrance Sunday, the entire school stood silent at 11am to give thanks to both former and currently serving military personnel.

Every pupil at Holy Trinity made and decorated a poppy which was then put up around the outside windows of the school building to create a continuous poppy display.