A COMPETITION has been launched for Halesowen and Rowley Regis schools to mark the hundredth anniversary of the start of the First World War.

James Morris MP is urging pupils from primary and secondary schools across the constituency to enter poems, stories or short essays of under 400 words to remember the conflict.

There will be prizes for each age group with the best work published in a booklet later this year and sent to schools and libraries as part of events to commemorate the centenary of The Great War.

Mr Morris said that he hoped that all schools would encourage pupils to enter the competition as part of their own activities.

He said: “This year people across the country are remembering, in many different ways, the heroism and bravery of soldiers who fought and died in the First World War, and the terrible losses suffered by hundreds of thousands of ordinary families at home.

“Whether it’s war poetry in the style of Wilfred Owen, a story imagining life in the trenches or an essay looking at life for the families left behind, I know that there is an enormous amount of talent amongst our local schoolchildren and I want to help share their excellent work.

“And by learning more about every aspect of the Great War, I hope that we will all gain a greater appreciation of just how much we owe to those who sacrificed so much on our country’s behalf.”

Last week Earls High School announced it was beginning four years of commemorations of the First World War which include research into former pupils who gave their life in battle.

Competition entries should be sent to James Morris MP, Trinity Point, New Road, B63 3BB or by email to james.morris.mp@parliament.uk.

The closing date is Friday, September 26.