STUDENTS from Aireville School in Skipton paid their respects to the victims of war by laying a wreath at 11am on Remembrance Day.

The ceremony was performed at the War Memorial gates near the Gargrave Road school, which were recently refurbished by Skipton Town and Craven District Councils.

Headteacher David Croll took a representative from each form up to the memorial to ensure that future generations realised the awful impact of war on mankind.

He and the children were accompanied by the Rev John Peers, of Christ Church, and Ken Walters, a World War Two veteran and former teacher at Aireville.

Mr Croll said: "Ken spoke as a person involved in the Second World War, and as someone who had seen friends lost in conflict. We decided to invite him back to speak at the ceremony. He was followed by Mr Peers, who spoke of the importance of peace in our time.

"I gave a brief talk explaining why Remembrance Day was so important. I also told them that the War Memorial wasn't just about one particular war, but was there to help us remember the victims of all conflicts.

"And I asked the students to remember those who still live with the effects of war, like those maimed and injured on the battlefield."

Aireville's headboy and girl, James Novkovic and Sarah Brewer, laid the school's wreath before retiring for the two minutes silence at 11am.

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