VETERANS have praised a Greenock school after creating a series of war tributes which are in the running for a major prize.

Aileymill Primary has been praised by the Largs branch of Legion Scotland after creating a portfolio of artwork which has now been entered into a national competition by the organisation.

Pupils and staff researched relatives who fought in the Great War then created a display of their work, which has impressed veterans who’ve been working with the school since October.

Young Jason Dinnie uncovered that his great-great grandfather Private James McFadden, from Greenock, served during the conflict, while head teacher Isabel Lind learned more about her grandfather Alfred Davis, who was a sergeant in the Scots Guards Fusiliers.

Students in P7b have devised a wonderful display packed full of information about their war hero relatives, which is among three entries to the competition.

They also created an eye-catching piece of artwork in honour of the hugely-popular Tower of London poppy display and paid homage to moving film and stage show War Horse — which inspired their topic after Mrs Lind watched a performance in London last year.

Phil Chinery, secretary of the Largs branch of Legion Scotland, said: “I was contacted by headquarters about the school and we came here last October and did a bit of a remembrance service and this is the final outcome of the project.

“Entries for the competition have now closed and around 50 schools have entered, including Aileymill.

“The prize for the winning school is a VIP trip to the Edinburgh Tattoo.

“Everybody here has worked hard and there’s been a lot of enthusiasm from the children.

“We are very pleased with what they have done.

“In future we hope to continue the link with the school.” Aileymill created their very own trench in the playground as part of the topic and learned a great deal about the First World War.

Head teacher Mrs Lind said: “It’s one of the best projects in my long career for me personally.

“I’ve learned a lot — maybe more so than the children.

“Fifty schools have entered the competition and we hope we win it.

“We urge people to vote online for us.” Voting opens on Monday 20 April and will close on 11 May.

For more information visit legionscotland.org.uk/schools See today's Tele for full pictures.