PUPILS at a small rural school have visited a centre for wounded and sick soldiers after raising more than £600 to help the residents lead active and independent lives.

After being inspired by the sea of poppies at the Tower of London, the 28 children at Arkengarthdale Church of England School in the Yorkshire Dales launched a range of fundraising activities, which included creating an artwork featuring more than 1,000 hand-made poppies.

As well as selling poppies, the children hosted a First World War open afternoon, where they sang songs from the conflict, read war poems and served refreshments to the audience.

After choosing Phoenix House, the Help For Heroes northern recovery centre in Catterick Garrison to benefit from the fundraising, the children were invited to tour the centre.

Teacher Anna Brown, said, “The visit to Phoenix House gave the children a great insight in to the work of Help For Heroes and the fantastic support they offer to our wounded, injured and sick soldiers.

"This is in stark contrast to how things would have been for injured soldiers 100 years ago, which the children have been studying.

"To have raised over £600 for a school that only has 28 pupils is unimaginable."