CHILDREN from a Winsford special school were treated to a unique history lesson to honour the centenary of the famous Christmas Day truce of The First World War.

Pupils at Hebden Green School, Winsford, got suited and booted in their military uniforms to honour the historic events of Christmas Day 1914, one hundred years ago.

On that day, a spontaneous truce was agreed between Allied and German troops where soldiers laid down their weapons and played a game of football in No-man’s Land. 

Faye Bye, primary class teacher at Hebden Green, said: “Amid the slaughter of the Western Front this moment of the conflict stood out as a rare instance of peace and goodwill and we as a school wanted to come together to acknowledge and reflect upon it.”

Pupils took part in a number of activities to commemorate the truce, including a re-enactment of the Christmas Day football match.

They also sampled a variety of French and German foods and took part in a number of spoken language activities.

Ms Bye said children explored the history of the truce using the Michael Foreman text ‘War Game’, and discussed the feelings and emotions of soldiers in the trenches from both sides.

Alison Ashley, head teacher of Hebden Green, said: “We are delighted that we are able to recognise the centenary of The First World War and the Christmas truce of 1914 in this way with our pupils.”

Gracie Skillicorn, 11, from Winsford, wore her granddad’s army gear from his 22 years service with the 1st Royal Tank Regiment.

The Royal Tank Regiment formed during The First World War when the first tank was invented and subsequently used in battle.

Maxwell Dickenson, 8, said: “I liked playing football with my friends. I think the soldiers in the trench were cold and sad but then they played football and were happy.”

Marcus McBriar, 14, said: “I really enjoyed the different things we did today, to help us to remember the soldiers and the truce of 1914.”