ARTISTIC pupils have designed an impressive stained glass window in commemoration of the centenary of the First World War.

The three glass panels have been unveiled at Chipping Norton School following completion of the piece of artwork.

The school was approached by the Royal British Legion and the mayor of Chipping Norton, Cllr Mike Tysoe, to come up with ideas for a permanent memorial to the centenary of World War I.

Students were challenged to submit potential designs, both on paper and as 3D models. With a lot of high quality ideas and artwork put forward, it was decided that a stained glass window was the favoured choice of memorial.

Initially a single panel was envisaged, with a poppy design by A Level student, Zoe Foster, but after looking at possible sites it was decided to expand the design to three panels to go at the back of the school’s main hall. With words by Year 10 students Georgia Juckes and a silhouette image by Sixth Form student Beth Coombes, stained glass expert Graham Brant, worked on a design in collaboration with Steve Kingsford, Chairman of Chipping Norton Royal British Legion.

The cost of creating the window was funded by The Royal British Legion, Chipping Norton Town Council, the Freemasons, the Rotary Club and donations from many parents and visitors to the school.

Head Teacher, Simon Duffy said: “These outstanding windows are a very fitting memorial to the Great War and a celebration of community achievement in Chipping Norton.”

Cllr Mike Tysoe added: "It is a great and fitting tribute to all who took part in the First World War with designs made originally by three very talented young ladies, and something the town will be prod of for the next 100 years."