Two Solihull MPs have visited Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst to explore plans to bring its World War One trench experience back into wider community use.

Saqib Bhatti, MP for Meriden and Solihull East, and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, MP for Solihull West and Shirley, toured the school's replica First World War trench and discussed opportunities to expand access to local schools, community groups and veterans.

The immersive educational resource is designed to help pupils learn about the First World War by recreating the conditions experienced by soldiers during the conflict.

During the visit, the MPs explored how the site could be revitalised and used more widely across the borough.

Mr Bhatti said: "It was a pleasure to visit Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst and see the remarkable World War One trench experience first-hand.

"This is a fantastic educational resource that brings history to life for young people, but I believe it has the potential to do even more for our community.

"I'm keen to work with the academy to explore how we can bring this unique local asset back into wider community use, supporting local schools, community groups and veterans."

Dr Shastri-Hurst said he first learned about the trench on Armed Forces Day earlier this year.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

He said: "It was wonderful to visit the site in person, alongside Saqib and local veterans, to see it first-hand.

"As a veteran myself, I am really attracted by the idea of local veterans' groups taking a lead in bringing this important local asset back to life."

Dan Jones, outdoor learning supervisor at Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst, said the school hopes to develop the facility into a community asset.

He said: "Both Saqib and Neil were enthusiastic as to our plans for the site and encouraged our partnership with the Help for Heroes charity.

"They recognised the potential that the facilities have to engage the community and address some of the issues that face the community alongside supporting veterans of the armed services."

The MPs said they will continue working with the academy and local partners to explore opportunities to maximise the community benefit of the trench experience and preserve it for future generations.