A SERVICE of remembrance for victims and veterans of World War One has been held in the North-East today. (June 30)

Youngsters from County Durham were joined with children from France and Germany at County Hall in Durham.

It is the culmination of a link-up between the county and the twinned areas of the Somme region and the German university town of Tuebingen.

Pupils aged 14 from Consett Academy and St John’s Catholic Academy in Bishop Auckland were joined by their foreign counterparts in a day of historical investigation at the DLI Museum and County Hall to research the lives of local men who served in the Great War.

The 100 youngsters used research and source materials in French, German and English to create a memorial to a soldier from each of the regions.

The day ended with the act of remembrance where the Durham County Council Chairman, Councillor John Robinson, joined by the Honorary Consuls from France and Germany.

Cllr Robinson said: “By working with children from other countries, the young people will have a better understanding of the universal human tragedy of conflict.

“The project also allows the young people to put their language skills to good use and gives a strong purpose for effective communication.”

The project, funded by a grant from the European Commission, has been organised by the international office at Durham County Council.