PUPILS at Devizes School plant poppies for the first time at their annual Remembrance Ceremony today (November 11).

The School's assemblies have been led by the history department as they had a focus on commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-day. The assemblies followed the stories of local people from the Devizes area who served in this war so students and guests learn more about the personal events that affected many of our community.

As part of the wider White Horse Federation family, Larkhill Primary School embrace planting a poppy field. Each of their 240 students aged 4-11 planted a poppy at 11am which is poignant with so many of the pupils being from service families.

Guests from the local community attended including the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, Devizes Lions Club, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Rotary Club. A number of the local councillors, Deputy Mayor, Andrew Johnson and Andrew Jack, joined over 1120 students from Devizes School.

Assistant Principal Mrs Mackay said:"This remembrance ceremony is now a well embedded event that brings the whole school together alongside members of our Devizes community to continue the valuable remembrance of past conflicts, to reflect on the impact these wars have had on our modern world and to commemorate all those who have sacrificed their lives".

"Our remembrance ceremony provides a unique opportunity for us to bring together all members of Devizes School and our local community spanning the generations to remember those service personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the past and show respect those who continue to serve today, many of whom have direct links to our school"

The local primaries of Nursteed and Wansdyke alongside Simon Cowley from The White Horse Federation were there to discover more about the events that took place on the Normandy beaches during WWII.

Following this, they formed around the quad to watch students representing Devizes cadet forces march through the field of poppies. They were displaying individual messages written by students, these poppies express gratitude to those who have served in the past and recognise the continued service of current military personnel.

Wreaths were laid by ex-service teachers and representatives from across the school and community.

They welcomed BM Sgt Freeland from 5th Rifles who played the last post and reveille either side of the two minute silence. The reading of the exhortation and prayers was from Reverend Brindle of St James Church in Devizes.