LUCKY youngsters at four Thurrock schools are set to enjoy six months learning about World War One thanks to a £27,500 grant.

In the run up the war’s centenary in November, pupils at Thameside Primary, the East Tilbury schools, Stanford-le-Hope Primary and St Clere’s secondary school will explore the definitive period in global history through numerous workshops and educational visits.

The project, which is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is the brain child of History graduate and Thameside teacher Katie Allwood.

After chatting to borough historian and Gazette columnist Jonathon Catton, Miss Allwood decided to apply for the grant which will see pupils hear talks from guest speakers on Essex during the way, animals at war and literature and war - bringing home the impact that World War One had on the area during 1914 and 1918.

The grant will also pay for pupils to go on trips to the Imperial War Museum Duxford and the New London Theatre to see a production of critically acclaimed War Horse.

Miss Allwood said: “The idea of applying for a grant was first suggested to me by Jonathan Catton from Thurrock Museum. Since then the project has gone from strength to strength thanks to the support and contributions from the schools and volunteers from local heritage institutions such as the Bata Reminiscence and Resource Centre.”

Christina Pumfrey, head teacher at the Thameside Academy said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund will afford our Trust Schools some amazing opportunities to learn about the First World War in the context of Thurrock and to experience things which would otherwise not be possible. We are all very excited."