Old soldier shares his life's story with pupils

AMELIA Shoel tries out a gas mask with Lucy McGiffen, Niamh Brown and war veteran Gerry Cooper

WAR veteran Gerry Cooper enthralled youngsters at St Joseph's primary with his tales of combat and childhood.

Gerry (92), from Hopwood Court, was invited into the Shaw school to help Year Six pupils with their work on the world wars.

He told them tales of growing up and his experience of World War II when he joined the Royal Engineers as a sapper in 1945 and was posted to Singapore.

Opportunity

"The children hung on his every word and asked him lots of questions," said deputy headteacher Steve Hill.

"They loved listening to his stories and it was great to have him in the classroom.

"It was also a good opportunity for the children to engage with Gerry and it will help them to develop respect and value for our elderly members of society.

"He is a smashing gentleman and we really appreciate him coming to see us."

Gerry told us: "The children were very, very good and I had a lovely time.

"I was a bit frightened about going to be honest but I really enjoyed it. The children kept me busy with lots of questions."

St Joseph's is now hoping to develop the relationship with Gerry and fellow residents of Hopwood Court, in High Crompton, by taking the children to visit in the summer.