Daring escapes, Olympic triumphs and looking at the horror of the Holocaust were among highlights of a school trip to Berlin.

Students from Parkside School in Cullingworth learned about many aspects of German history during their visit to the country’s capital.

The 28 pupils and staff began their visit with a guided boat trip along the river.

They visited Checkpoint Charlie – the only route between divided parts of the city during the Cold War – to learn how people had escaped over the Berlin Wall.

Trip leader Suzanne Doyle said: “The most impressive was the woman who escaped in her boyfriend’s drum.”

Suzanne said the visit to Sachsenhausen, site of a concentration camp, Olympic Stadium and the Wannsee Villa, was a day of lows and highs.

She said: “For most students, the most poignant part was sitting at the table where the Nazi officers decided to gas the Jews.

“We also sat on the VIP balcony on the Olympic Stadium, where Usain Bolt set his world record.”

More light-hearted activities included sampling Curry Wurst potato salad and a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe.