Emneth Primary School pupils will adopt a fallen soldier from the First World War in one of two history projects that have received grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

In the Emneth scheme children from class six will research the history of one of 27 fallen servicemen on the village war memorial and then write a book and build a small memorial garden as a permanent legacy to the men.

The project has received a £9,600 grant.

The second project will compare the experiences of the local community on the home front with those of people living in Eastern Europe during the 1914-18 conflict.

Emneth head teacher Alison Townsend said: “We are thrilled by the award of this funding. Our World War One project is a wonderful opportunity for our children to learn about the past and the impact of the great events of a hundred years ago.”

In the second project the Rosmini Centre in Wisbech will train a group of volunteer researchers to capture the First World War reminiscences of communities currently living in Fenland.

This will create a picture of the war from English, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian and Russian perspectives.

The results of this multi-national investigation, supported by a £9,700 grant, will be on display at the Centre with written material in all the languages of those taking part.

Rosmini Centre spokesman Anita Grodkiewicz said: “We have over 130 volunteers at the Rosmini Centre one third of whom come from Central and Eastern Europe. Many have shown a keen interest in being involved.”

Helen Grant, Minister for the First World War Centenary added: “These are great projects, which will help shed light on some of the amazing, uplifting – and sometimes heart-breaking – personal stories from 100 years ago.

“The Heritage Lottery Fund grants will ensure that both children and the migrant communities in the area get the chance to understand the unique impact the war had on Wisbech.”