The children of Bunscoill Rhumsaa have unveiled a mosaic dedicated to the servicemen who fought and died in the First World War.

The mosaic was unveiled at a special assembly where the school’s year six pupils (aged 10 and 11) read letters sent home from the trenches and explained why poppies are used to remember the fallen.

It was then given to the people of Ramsey.

All 500 children at the school have taken part in the design of the mosaic which was created by artist Elaine Edge of Manx Mosaics.

Miss Edge said: ’It is great to be involved in something like this. The children were all so engrossed in what they were doing, it was just fantastic.’

The school’s head teacher David Jenkins also praised the pupils and the final creation.

He said: ’It is great to see the finished product.

’We wanted to do something special for the 100th anniversary of the Armistice and Elaine managed to get the whole school involved.

’We decided that once it was finished, we would give it to the people of Ramsey, through commissioners, so everyone can enjoy it.’

The design of the mosaic, poppies in a field inside a circle, was chosen to reflect how remembrance is a constant event and not one which ends.

The mosaic was part of a project the year six pupils have undertaken where they have studied the First World War and created displays in their classroom.

Following the presentation, the pupils showed their work to guests including ex-servicemen and MHKs Dr Alex Allinson and Lawrie Hooper.

Bill Hankin, a commissioner in Ramsey and veteran of the Falklands, Cyprus and Northern Ireland, spoke of his pride that after 100 years, the children were still learning about the First World War and of the wars since.

He added: ’The commissioners will ensure people know where this came from.

’On behalf of the commissioners, thank you very much. The effort and pride in the children’s work is clear.’