A school in Dereham has become the first in Norfolk to become an official partner to the Royal British Legion (RBL) and has been recognised for outstanding work in the field of remembrance.
The affiliation between Northgate High School and the Dereham branch of RBL means that the school will now have a direct link to the remembrance organisation.
Students and staff gathered for a ceremony on Friday, May 12, which was attended by special guests including the chairman of RBL Norfolk, John Boisson, the president of RBL Norfolk, Major General Sir William Cubitt, and the parents of Lewis Hendry, an ex-pupil who sadly passed whilst on patrol in Afghanistan in 2011.
Speaking to the students Mr Boisson said: 'This affiliation cements the partnership between Northgate and RBL and it gives me great pleasure and honour to take part in it.'
He also spoke of the importance of remembrance for future generations, adding: 'The poppy was adopted not only as a symbol of remembrance but also as a symbol of hope, hope that future generations can learn from the mistakes of the past.'
Sir Cubitt presented school staff member and ex-serviceman Calum MacDonald with the award of merit, a top accolade for outstanding work in the field of remembrance.
When presenting the award he said: 'I'd like to thank you all for being here today and for all you have done in the field of remembrance.'
After the ceremony Mr Boisson said: 'Northgate High School has achieved some phenomenal results promoting Remembrance within their local community over a number of years.
'This is a top accolade and Northgate is one of only three schools in the county that has been recognised for their recent commemorative endeavours with this award.'
Head of school, Andy Mason, said: 'We are very proud to be presented with the certificate of merit in recognition of our spirit of remembrance in our local community and to be affiliated as a sign of partnership with the British legion. Today was a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the values and ethos we engender in our students and our place in the wider community.'
Any schools that wish to explore the possibility of affiliating with their local Legion branch can call 0808 8028080.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here