A WAR memorial remembering former Bisley Blue Coat pupils who died in the First World War has been returned to the school.

The memorial, which takes the form of a wooden triptych, bears the names of 14 Bisley boys who fought in the war but never returned.

After being kept at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum for many years, the memorial was sent back to the school this summer and now staff and teachers want to find out more about those whose names appear on it.

Head teacher Samantha Porter said: "We want to know as much about these men as possible.

"This is not just an important piece of art it's also a very special piece of history for the school and it's important the names are remembered."

The school has already established that a number of current pupils are related to names on the memorial, including Hannah Cratchley who is the great, great niece of Sidney Hale, and Joel Martin, who is related to Cuthbert and Levison Randall and Duncan Ridler.

But very little else is known about the piece, including when it was originally removed from the school and how long it was kept in Cheltenham.

Miss Porter wants to hear from anyone in the village who may be related to one of the men.

She added: "We are looking for the bigger picture so we can put together a book of people's memories and ideas to accompany the triptych.

"It's very unique for the school to be presented with something as special as this and we owe it to these men to be able to talk about why their names are on it."

The names on the memorial are:

James Clark, Albert Clissold, Leonard Franklin, Sidney Hale, Norman Hill, Arthur Hook, William Hunt, Joe Jordan, Joe Mansell, Cuthbert Randall, Levison Randall, Duncan Ridler, Sidney Stephens and Edward Woodward.

Anyone who can help the school trace the history of the memorial should call 01452 770251. The SNJ is also keen to follow up the names, call reporter Sian Davies on 01453 769422.