THE dark days of the Blitz came to life for school pupils who re-enacted a Second World War evacuation.

Forty children from West Kidlington Primary School said goodbye to their parents and made their way on foot to the school to spend a night sleeping in the hall.

The school said last Friday’s event helped simulate the experiences of many young who left home when cities were evacuated during the war.

The Year Three pupils sang war-time songs and made bread under the watchful eyes of their teachers, before bedding down for the night.

Headteacher Eugene Symonds praised the children, who he said got into the role quickly, and also the staff who gave up their time.

He added: “The evacuation a great success.”