A trench has been dug at The Engine House Visitor Centre, Highley, by the Severn Valley Railway’s Education department and was officially opened during the ceremony on Friday, 11 July, by Deputy Mayor of Bridgnorth, Councillor David Cooper.

The proceedings were led by the SVR’s education officer, Sharon Harvey, and also included the laying of a wreath by David Cooper.

Pupils from Highley Primary High School were also in attendance and one of the pupils read a prayer during the ceremony. In the afternoon, children from years three and four also distributed poppy seeds along the grassed areas of the Railway, in the hope that they will create a stunning poppy display in the future.

Sharon said: “The First World War was tragic and this seems a very fitting way of commemorating and paying tribute to those who lost their lives. A group of volunteers from the Railway have built the trench over the past few months and it is remarkable.”

The trench will be open to the public during August and September 2014 with an accompanying static display.