Children in a Bridgwater primary school have become published artists.

This is thanks to a village project with author Andrew Powell-Thomas.

Otterhampton Year 6 students collaborated with Mr Powell-Thomas in the Autumn term to create a unique remembrance book.

The project centred on the village of Otterhampton and its soldiers, delving into the war memorial and gathering stories from the older residents in the village.

The students' hard work culminated in the publication of the book last week. The book is called ‘Otterhampton and Combwich Remembers’, and is dedicated to those who died in major conflicts such as the First World War and Second World War.

At the book launch party at Otterhampton School, Mr Powell-Thomas said: "I have loved working with this group of young people and their enthusiasm to contributing to a piece of literature has been truly heartwarming."

The book launch was attended by some of the village's residentsThe book launch was attended by some of the village's residents (Image: Bridgwater College Trust)

Year 6 teacher George Sluman said: "The children have loved this project, it has developed their love of writing and they have created some fantastic pieces of work.

"Relationships have been forged with the local villagers and this has created a lasting legacy for all of them."

Some of the villagers attended the launch and celebrated by reading the book with the students.

One of the villagers noted the importance of the project for future generations, saying: "We are happy the younger generation had seen the importance on keeping remembrance at the forefront of their minds and it has been lovely seeing them excited by this."

This community effort intertwines history, literature, and respect, giving the children an invaluable experience of research, writing, and publication.

The book is now available on Amazon and in bookshops in Bridgwater, ensuring the children's efforts reach a wider audience.