HUNDREDS of pupils from city primaries joined Lord Provost Sadie Docherty for a service to remember the fallen of the First World War.

They gathered with their teachers in Glasgow Cathedral to raise awareness of the major role the city played during the conflict both at home and on the front line.

Around 200,000 Glasgow men volunteered for the First World War with 18,000 losing their lives and 34,500 being injured, many seriously.

Mrs Doch-erty said: "It is important Glaswegians of all ages come together to mark, commemorate and remember our city's citizens' contribution to the First World War.

"As Glasgow prepares to become the focal point of the UK and Commonwealth activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the war, it is only fitting we engage with our city's young people.

"That is why we worked in partnership with Glasgow Cathedral to create this special children's service.

"I am clear that as our city brand emphasises People Makes Glasgow, we must also recognise and remember our past citizens who have helped make Glasgow what it is today.

"This year and for the coming four years we will ensure we remember our city's huge contribution to the war effort."

Rev Laurence Whitley of Glasgow Cathedral conducted the service for 200 pupils.

He said: "All credit to the council for initiating the idea of this event.

"If Remembrance Day is to continue being important for us all, then we need our young people to be informed as to how and why it grew.

"It will also help our youngsters realise why it is such a privilege for the city to be the venue for the Commonwealth Games Service marking the outbreak of the war on August 4."

During the service, the children saw original footage from 1914, a dramatisation of life during the war by drama pupils from Knightswood Secondary, and sang songs from the era.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk