HISTORY was brought to life for schoolchildren at a special World War Two workshop.

The sound of an air raid siren echoed through Gourock Primary as pupils were transported back in time to learn about what life was really like in wartime Britain.

They learned all about the conflict using original artefacts like gas masks, shell casings and shrapnel.

They even underwent incendiary bomb training and a mock air raid evacuation.

Teacher Mhairi Todd said the pupils were fascinated during the interactive workshop by Dean Bowen from Homefront Histories.

She said: "P5 and P6/5 have been studying World War Two so we invited Dean along to start the topic with a bang.

"The children have been totally captivated by it, they are so engaged with it.

"I think it's really important for them to learn about history.

"We are focusing on the British side of World War Two, so they've been learning about what life was like during it."

History expert Dean says he enjoys teaching children about the war using the extensive range of original artefacts which he has collected since he was 12.

He said: "The children need to remember what went on.

"This gives them something to think about.

"It's all about keeping history alive."

Pupil Nina Holliday, 10, said: "I like history because you learn about what happened back in the past and that is really important."

Classmate Oliver Arthur, also 10, added: "World War Two is a really interesting topic.

"It's important that we know what happened in the past and we feel lucky that we are not in the situation."