It was an act of remembrance which captured a nation.

And students from Kirklees College have played their part in the Tower of London’s poignant poppy memorial.

Kirklees College’s Level 3 Public Service students travelled to the capital to volunteer their time to carefully remove the poppies from the London landmark.

Tutor Steph Mill said: “Students talked to other volunteers whilst working explaining why they had chosen to take part.

“We were advised that we had travelled the furthest in order to help with the project.

“Students and staff were overwhelmed by the atmosphere and the significance of each individual poppy representing one fallen soldier in World War One.”

The art installation, entitled Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, was created by ceramic artist Paul Cummins and millions of visitors lined the streets around the Tower of London to view the 888,246 ceramic poppies to mark the centenary of World War One.

Volunteers have been busy removing around 75,000 poppies per day from the moat since November 12, and the college students were pleased to be able to play their part. The poppies are being sold to raise money for charities.

The students who took part were Leonie Anley-Webster from Grange Moor; Jason Wilson from Huddersfield; Robert Dolan from Meltham; James Morelli from Golcar; Neelam Zubair from Halifax; Anisa Sajid from Dewsbury; and Chloe Rowlands from Meltham.

Jason said: “Picking the ceramic poppies within the Tower of London was a once in a lifetime experience.

“It was a very inspirational visit and I am proud that I had the chance to pay my respects.”

Chloe said: “Going down to London to volunteer to pick pick up the poppies was one of the most moving experiences I have taken part in.

“Although it was very emotional I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, my grandad aged 95 was extremely proud as he was in the Second World War, and named Phillip after his uncle who died in First World War.”

Neelam Zubair added: “This was a very memorable experience as each poppy represented every solider we’ve lost – it represents their courage and braveness and it felt amazing picking out these poppies.”

Kirklees College Progress Coach Rachel Laurence attended to honour her Uncle Edgar Bamforth (1893-19-14) killed at battle of Somme, aged 21.

Last week students from Public Service also represented the college at the Remembrance Parade in Huddersfield.

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