Pupils at a school in Watford had the opportunity to listen to a first hand account of being evacuated during World War Two.

Dave Edwards visited Kingsway Junior School in Briar Road yesterday to share his experiences of rationing, bomb shelters and living away from home.

The grandfather said: “It is our history and it shouldn’t be hidden - it should be a lesson so this never happens again.

“The kids have been very responsive and have asked lots of questions.”

The year three children have been studying the war during the academic term, and have been making models of air raid shelters.

Seven-year-old Harriet Clements said: “It is more realistic because he has been through it.

“Listening to him talk about being evacuated has been very exciting and interesting.”

Mr Edwards also brought in his old rationing books for the children to look at, and a selection of the old coins that were used during the war.

Hollie Franklin, a teacher at the school, said: “Children learn in different ways and this is another way of accessing information.

“It means they can actually live it rather than just learning about it - I am sure they will have a lot to talk about tomorrow.”