SCHOOLCHILDREN in Wool have held their own remembrance service before paying respects at the graves of fallen soldiers.

Wool CE VA First School held a special assembly with the Rev Rhona Floate from Holy Rood Church in the village when children read out poems in front of guests and dignitaries.

Some of the pupils then went to the Commonwealth War Graves area of Holy Rood churchyard to place traditional poppy crosses by the headstones of those who had died while in the Armed Forces.

Gerry Leak, who is chairman of the Wool branch of the Royal British Legion, attended the service.

He said he was pleased that the children at the school were involved in the Act of Remembrance because it was important for them to know about the ‘sacrifice made by their forefathers’.

He said: “So many men and women have lost their lives over the years.

“We should never, ever forget because they laid down their lives for us.

Heather Morton, who is chairwoman of the branch women’s section and chairwoman of the Isle of Purbeck women’s section of the legion, also attended the service.

She said: “I hope that these children in Wool will never have to experience war, nor their children.

“But I hope too that the service will help them to appreciate the sacrifice of others which have given children today the freedom that they enjoy.”

Eileen Hardy, vice-chaiwoman of the Wool branch women’s section, also attended the service.

Other schools, including Beechcroft St Paul’s Primary in Weymouth, also held assemblies in aid of Remembrance Day. A pupil from each year of Damers First School in Dorchester attended a memorial service on Sunday.