YOUNGSTERS from Lee Chapel Primary School recently celebrated 'French Day' and some are set to make a timely journey to Somme.

Monday, 1 July is the anniversary of the start of the Somme campaign in 1916 and it proved to be one of the bloodiest days in British military history.

Earlier this week Stephen Metcalfe, the outgoing MP and current parliamentary candidate for South Basildon & East Thurrock, visited the school and chatted to pupils about their upcoming trip to France and joined in the frivolities at the one-day-only 'Lee Chapel French Café'.

On 'French Day', Lee Chapel encouraged pupils to take an interest in the French language and French culture by discussing French books, French games and French cuisine.

Tomorrow (Friday), a number of older pupils will take a trip to France to visit the Somme, to learn the history of the conflict. The trip, organised by the Forget Never Project and Basildon Twinning, aims to teach children first-hand about the sacrifices made by men and women in the name of freedom and democracy.

Mr Metcalfe said: "French Day is another great initiative to help pupils expand their horizons and learn new things as they progress further with their studies.

"It was also great to hear pupils are excited for their trip to France on Friday. The Forget Never Project and Basildon Twinning are taking them to directly where history happened. This is the best way of learning about history, and I hope they come back enthused by what they have seen and done.

"A huge thank you goes to all the staff and volunteers who are making this happen – you are really making a difference to the lives of these children."

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