Children from schools across Suffolk were able to experience what life was like for soldiers during the First World War in an innovative project launched by a leading mental health charity.

Ipswich Star: Pupils from St Margaret's Primary School at Quay Place Picture: RACHEL EDGEPupils from St Margaret's Primary School at Quay Place Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

The interactive First World War project has been created by Suffolk Mind's Heritage and Wellbeing Centre at Quay Place, Ipswich, to help develop children's understanding of life on the front line.

The trip includes a talk with local war hero Captain Douglas Nicholls - played by an actor - who recalls his time during the First World War.

Students can also build their own trenches and create poppies to commemorate the lives that were lost.

A group of pupils from St Margaret's Primary School, Ipswich, have been among those to take part in the project.

Ipswich Star: The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Picture: RACHEL EDGEThe project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

Helen Peats, a teacher from St Margaret's, said that the day really brought the 'history to life' for the children.

"Children at this age are quite engaged and really interested in this type of history," she said.

Sam, a year one pupil from St Margaret's, said his favourite part of the day was listening to Captain Douglas recount his time in the war.

Children can also explore the work of famous artists and sculptors who have depicted the Remembrance poppy.

Ipswich Star: The children learn about the life of the fictional character Captain Douglas Nicholls Picture: RACHEL EDGEThe children learn about the life of the fictional character Captain Douglas Nicholls Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

Sarah Gunn, the First World War trip coordinator, said: "The experience is educational and hosted in a place with a rich and varied history spanning more than 500 years.

"The aim of the experience is to develop the children's understanding about life during this time and ignite their curiosity to explore the resources in the teacher's pack."

The programme has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and makes links to the primary school curriculum for such subjects as History and Art and Design.

So far a total of 12 schools have signed up to the project, with the hope that more schools will apply after the funding stops.

Ipswich Star: The trips link to the Primary school curriculum for History, Art & Design, Science, and Design & Technology Picture: RACHEL EDGEThe trips link to the Primary school curriculum for History, Art & Design, Science, and Design & Technology Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

Ms Gunn added: "We hope to be able to continue to offer the school trips to the local schools."

The trips are being offered to school children currently in years one and two.

Ipswich Star: Pupils from St Margaret's Primary School at Quay Place Picture: RACHEL EDGEPupils from St Margaret's Primary School at Quay Place Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)

Ipswich Star: The children made poppies as part of the activities Picture: RACHEL EDGEThe children made poppies as part of the activities Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: RACHEL EDGE)