DISADVANTAGED children at a Bromsgrove school have been studying the world wars with the help of local war veterans.

Hunters Hill Technology College, which specialises in educating children with emotional, mental health and behavioural issues, has teamed up with the Redditch branch of the Parachute Regiment Association, to help engage students in history and inspire traditional values.

Curriculum lead for humanities Malcolm Barnes told the Advertiser: "The project will bring together veterans and young people from very different generations and enable them to engage in a joint project together.

"By working in close proximity and travelling together on visits, the barriers that often exist between older people and teenagers will be broken down.

"The therapeutic impact of intergenerational work is well documented and we anticipate that this will have a very positive outcome on the mental health of our pupils."

Veterans and students have already started investigating Victoria Cross holders from the Battle of Arnhem, reflecting on how their acts of valour echo the values of the British Army.

The outcomes of the project will be recorded and featured in a film about the sacrifices made by armed forces during the Second World War, which will be screened later this year.

Mr Barnes added: "Our pupils exhibit very challenging behavioural issues. The values and standards of the British Army are an excellent template for the education of challenging teenagers and by bringing them into close contact with serving role models we hope that they will aspire to follow their example."

As part of Project Arnhem, pupils will visit RAF Duxford, the Colchester Parachute Regiment, Churchill War Rooms, HMS Belfast and the Imperial War Museum in London.

Some are also set to travel to the Netherlands in September for a Battle of Arnhem remembrance event.