An Ammanford school has been recognised for their research honouring former pupils who lost their lives in the First World War.

Ysgol Dyffryn Aman has been shortlisted for the Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People award at the Heritage Angel Awards Wales.

In 2016, a group of Year 9 pupils took part in a history project to find out about the names engraved on the plaque situation in their school hall.

The year 1914 is a historical year as it marks the year that the school first opened its doors as well as the start of the First World War.

The inspiration of the project came from the memorial and honour plaque in the lower school hall for former pupils who fought during the First World War.

Over the years, pupils used the lower school for assemblies, concerts and lessons without having a real understanding of the history behind the names on the engraved on the plaque.

History teacher Rachel Evans said: “The project was a result of the diligent work of a group of Year 9 students over the academic year.

“They gave up their free time after school on a Monday to research and create this project.

“Their attitude and devotion to the project was commendable.

“During their research, pupils were also lucky enough to meet the daughter of one of the men whose name was on the plaque.”

The school received a £1,000 grant from the Welsh Government’s Wales Remembers programme which helped pupils conduct their research.

Rachel found out last week that the school has been shortlisted alongside Thornhill Primary School in Cardiff and Unloved Heritage in Ceredigion Heritage Youth Panel in the Young Persons category

“We are pleased that the pupils and the project have been recognised,” she added.

“It’s nice to see their achievements and extra circular activities being celebrated and not just grades.

“The pupils who took part in the project are now in the first year of sixth form.”

Sponsored by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, the awards celebrate the work of volunteers, trainees, apprentices, young people and heritage professionals in repairing or rescuing historic buildings or making new discoveries.

Winners of the five categories will be announced at a ceremony held at Caerphilly Castle on Thursday, November 8.