FOUR teenagers from Penryn College had the experience of a lifetime when they travelled to Normandy to take part in the D-Day remembrance ceremonies.

Jake Serviour, Matthew Chapman, Tom Day and Will Dove joined around 25 members and carers from the Cornwall Branch of the Landing Crafts on their annual pilgrimage to France, where they laid wreaths at cemeteries and places of remembrance.

The ceremonies were marking the 61st anniversary last Monday of D-Day.

In charge of the parades was ex-Royal Marine Douglas Harvey, who acted as parade marshal.

John Harris, chairman of the branch, said: "They were a credit to their school.

"They all wore white shirts and black berets and carried out the ceremonies."

The 14-year-olds, who are all from Mabe, laid wreaths at Cornwall Hill (112), Ouisterham, Arromanches and the American cemetery at Omagh, as Will's mother is American.

They then returned to school and reported back to their fellow pupils, who are studying the event in their history lessons. Mr Harris added: "The people of Normandy gave us a very kind welcome. It was absolutely fantastic."

The visit was funded through a grant from the Hero's Return Lottery Fund and collections at local stores.

MY Motors of Redruth supplied a vehicle to transport the party, which was voluntarily driven by two of the boys' fathers, John Serviour and Bruce Chapman.