PUPILS at a Bradford primary school were joined by their counterparts from yesteryear to celebrate the culmination of a history project focusing on the Second World War era.

Crossley Hall Primary School, in Fairweather Green, officially unveiled its Dig for Victory booklet yesterday, marking the end of a scheme supported by a £5,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Visitors, including a number of former pupils, attended an event at the school yesterday to take part in a variety of activities and view a host of new facilities linked to the project.

The booklet includes work compiled by Year 4 pupils at the school, including interviews with local people who lived in the area during the wartime period. It will be the focal point of an exhibition, and the school also plans to distribute copies to neighbouring schools and local libraries.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s executive member for education, said: “This project has really enthused the pupils. They have loved talking to the survivors of the war about their experiences, it has given them a real feel of their heritage.”

Teacher Neil Griffin said yesterday’s event was a great way to celebrate the end of the year-long project.

“The children interviewed people about their wartime experiences, and they absolutely loved it,” he said.

“The project has really made history real for them, and the chemistry between the two generations has been lovely to see.

“Today we have had a nine year-old talking to a 104-year-old, and there has been a real bond between them, which is great as the project was also about making real links with the community.”

Yesterday also saw the opening of new facilities at the school including an Anderson shelter and drama park, and an ‘adventurous learning space’ including a wildlife area, forest school, outdoor kitchen, and sensory garden.

Head teacher Michael Thorp said: “We are excited about our latest school grounds developments and the opportunities they will bring for our children. It is very important for our children to connect their futures with the past.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Yorkshire and the Humber said: “The impact of the Second World War was felt in every community in every part of the UK, but it’s hard for us to imagine quite what it was like to live through the War so projects like this one are incredibly important.

"By getting pupils involved in recreating Anderson shelters and interviewing older generations it’s helping to greatly increase the understanding of our shared past and what it means for us today, and I’m delighted we have been able to support it using money raised by National Lottery players."