TWO students from Oakbank School in Keighley have been on a moving trip to the battlefields of the First World War.

Year 11 pupil Charlotte Harris and year 12 colleague Thalia Jefferson toured sites in Belgium and France as part of a government-funded initiative commemorating the centenary of the conflict.

The girls had researched a solider from Keighley, Private George Henry Binns, who died in the war and is listed on the memorial at Tyne Cot Cemetery, in Belgium.

Private Binns, who served with the 12/13th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, died on October 4, 1917, aged 21.

"Finding the names of soldiers connected to our town was so interesting and made me realise that those listed on graves aren’t just names – they’re stories," said Charlotte.

One of the most poignant parts of the trip for the youngsters was attending the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, Ypres.

"It was very moving and I think it is extremely important to remember the dead in this respectful way," said Thalia.

"The whole tour was one of the most enlightening, interesting and thought-provoking experiences I have ever had the opportunity to be part of."