PUPILS will attempt to uncover the lost stories of predecessors who fought in the First World War, 100 years ago.

In 1915, North Primary School, in Colchester, created a roll of honour for former pupils who volunteered or were conscripted to battle the Axis powers.

However, somewhere in the mists of time, the roll disappeared, meaning the names, identities and stories of the individuals are unknown.

Now, the John Harper Street school has been awarded £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the We Will Remember Them project.

Research, backed up by an open day for former pupils and residents on November 9, will be carried out during the autumn term.

Pupils will also track down information from memorials, the library and museum and archive collections and input information on the Imperial War Museum’s digital memorial, called Lives of the First World War.

Residents can also get involved by sharing family stories, letters, diaries and memorabilia passed down through generations.

In the new year, youngsters will work with a creative writer and photographer to create a publication revealing their discoveries, alongside researched social history on what life would have been like in Colchester during the conflict.

They also plan to create a mini-exhibition.

Anyone who wants to contribute a story can email northwewillrememberthem@ outlook.com or visit www.historypin.com

For more, see Wednesday's Gazette