A JOHNSTONE school is now home to a special tribute to former pupils who lost their lives in the First World War.

As part of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, pupils and staff at Johnstone High unveiled a commemorative plaque in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to promote freedom.

The names of 45 former pupils who perished in the ‘Great War’ have been etched on the copper plaque, which was created with input from the school’s current intake.

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A special service to remember the fallen took place at the school, with senior pupils reading the names of those who died in the conflict between 1914 and 1918.

An original plaque which honoured the school’s war heroes was destroyed by fire at the previous building in Ludovic Square.

However, depute headteacher Graham Munro carried out extensive research to identify those who were lost.

He said: “I researched the names of former pupils who had died after the local business community, led by Councillor John Hood, raised money to get a memorial with all the pupils named on it.

“I used historical and military websites and cross-referenced names with the online census. I also spoke with local people.

“We now get our pupils to read out the names of the fallen at our Remembrance service every year. They can be shocked when we tell them that some of the soldiers died when they were younger than them.”

Andrew Sheppard, who is Johnstone High’s head of art and has an interest in military history, designed the war memorial, helped by pupils.

He said: “I worked with several year groups on the plaque. The centrepiece is a lion sleeping in a field of poppies and was based on a drawing by one of our former pupils which I then turned into etched copper work.

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“There are 12 pupil pieces around each side on smaller copper plates and each is the pupil’s own response to the idea of commemoration and sacrifice.”

Anyone who had a relative who attended Johnstone High before being killed in the First World War is asked to call the school on 01505 322173, so they can be added to the memorial.