THIS year's centenary of the start of World War One has inspired thousands of Britons to look back 100 years.

And next month, in what promises to be a real tear-jerker of a play, Queen Katherine School pupils will tell the stories of some of the Kendal men who left the comfort of home in 1914.

The Kendal Pals, based on research by a local historian, will be performed by around 60 students and staff, with scenes both in South Lakeland and on the frontline.

"We set out with the aim of raising awareness among young people of today of what young people of 100 years ago sacrificed for them," explained co-director and drama and theatre studies teacher, Jonathan Linaker.

"What's come out of that is a play which is going to be incredibly interesting and of course, very moving."

The story will focus on the war efforts of three young Kendalians, all from very different backgrounds.

Thomas Wilson, played by 17-year-old pupil, Edward Hawkins, had previously obtained two jobs in South Lakeland by lying about his age - and this habit did not stop when it came to enlisting in the army.

John Grant, played by 17-year-old Jacob Mallinson, became one of the most highly-decorated soldiers in Cumbria.

And 17-year-old Bailey Dobson will play the part of Walter Dixon, who was one of the thousands killed in the Battle of the Somme - leaving a mother at home unable accept the fate of her son.

"We were asked by someone in history to do something to mark the centenary and we were put in touch with Paul Bramham, who has done a lot of research in this area," continued Mr Linaker.

"He showed me a lot of different stories based on his research and these three jumped out."

The play has been funded thanks to a £2,000 grant from Kendal Town Council.

Rehearsals have been underway since before the summer holidays and those involved in the play have also carried out their own research at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester.

Co-director and ICT manager at the school, Jarrod Collings, said the play has also been influenced by productions such as War Horse.

"I think when we first talked about it we realised it was too important a topic not to go ahead with something like this," he added.

"Everybody has worked so hard. The pupils have put in so much effort.

"We're confident local people will really respond to it."

Tickets can be brought from the Appleby Road school's reception.