Stourbridge cadets have paid tribute to First World War heroes from the area in Belgium.

Students from Old Swinford Hospital’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) honoured those who died in the conflict, including 46 former pupils.

12 of these pupils were killed in action at the Ypres Salient, a site of intense and bloody fighting.

(Image: Old Swinford Hospital)

At the Menin Gate, senior cadets Archie Payne and Dominic Woodley, supported by staff instructor Lieutenant Keith Evans, laid a wreath during the Last Post Ceremony, which has taken place every evening since 1928.

The Menin Gate commemorates over 54,000 British and Imperial soldiers whose bodies were never found, including Old Swinford Hospital pupils Frederick Blewitt, Benjamin Hill, Noel Lewis, and Walter Haycock.

Earlier in the day, the cadets visited Tyne Cot cemetery, the world's largest Commonwealth cemetery, where former pupil Frank Smith is remembered.

They learned about the history of the war and the battle for Passchendaele, with headmaster Paul Kilbride, a history teacher, providing insights.

Before leaving Belgium, the youngest cadet, Abi Crawford, laid a wreath at the grave of former pupil William Rubery, who died in 1917.

Contingent Commander Flight Lieutenant Jonathan Richardson led a short moment of reflection and quiet prayer.

The cadets then returned to England.

The trip was organised to help the young people understand and remember the sacrifices made by those who fought in the First World War.

The cadets also took the opportunity to learn more about the historical significance of the battles at the Ypres Salient and their importance in WWI.