PUPILS at Archway School have been commemorating the life and times of a professional footballer who became the first officer of mixed heritage in the British Army in World War One.

Twenty-nine special medals have been commissioned to commemorate each year of the short life of Walter Tull, who was killed in action on March 25, 2018.

These medals, awarded as part of the Tull100 Big Ideas project, are being given to organisations which produce the most notable, original and impressive ways of commemorating Walter’s life as well as highlighting the theme of No Barriers to achievement.

Archway is delighted that it is among the organisation which received one of the coveted medals.

The school’s project involved working with poet Stuart Butler to write poems and prose on the theme of No Barriers and Walter’s life and liaising with Forest Green Rovers and Swindon Town FC.

A commemorative walks to FGR took place and a special football match was held between Archway sixth form and a KS4 side around Remembrance time.

Writing was shared with national organisers and Walter’s former football clubs, Spurs and Northampton Town FC.

Deputy head Rachel OBryan said: “We also displayed our work to showcase the sensitive writing and to ensure that Walter’s legacy is remembered. To know our students’ efforts in class on walks and on the pitch have been recognised nationally makes us very proud.”