GENEROUS children from Ombersley First School have donated Christmas boxes for serving soldiers in Iraq.

As part of the school's World War One project run by Droitwich Library, pupils have collected items to send to modern-day soldiers.

This term the youngsters have been recreating the lives of children a hundred years ago, when in 1914 Princess Mary sent tins of tobacco, pencils and cards to servicemen fighting in the Great War.

Nicki Philipson-Stowe, from charity Support Our Soldiers (SOS) which is sending the boxes to Iraq, said: "We are delighted that the Ombersley children have been so generous.

"In 1914 more than two-and-a-half million people were eligible to receive the Princess Mary tin - every serving soldier, sailor and airmen, as well as prisoners of war and next of kin of those killed in battle.

"Luckily we don’t have to provide nearly that many boxes these days. The Ombersley boxes will be heading for British soldiers currently serving in Iraq."

The WW1 project at Ombersley School is titled the Great Blackberry Pick and earlier this year students took on a host of activities in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.

Ruth Osborne, a year four teacher, said: "The children have loved our WW1 Blackberry Project. They have learnt so much about World War One and what it was like to be a child 100 years ago.

"Filling our shoeboxes has been the icing on the cake, as it brings us right up to date. It’s a lovely thing to receive a box at Christmas, just as it was in 1914."

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for localism and communities said: "Droitwich Library has created such an interesting community project and the children who have taken part so far are clearly really enjoying themselves and learning a lot about this period of our history."

Funded by Heritage Lottery’s ‘WW1 Then and Now’ scheme, The Great Blackberry Pick Project is run by Droitwich Library and involves four schools in the Droitwich area.

An exhibition of their work is currently on display in the library in Victoria Square. For more information visit thegreatblackberrypick.wordpress.com.

SOS was formed in March 2003 to provide support for members of the British Armed Forces serving overseas and their families at home. Visit supportoursoldiers.org.uk