THE courageous efforts of a war hero who is believed to be the only woman from Warrington to die during active service will be remembered by pupils.

Work is already under way to create a colourful poppy display with the help of youngsters at St Barnabas CE Primary School in memory of May Westwell.

The former teacher at Evelyn Street Primary School, who was part of the St Barnabas Church congregation, joined the Queen Mary's Auxiliary Corps to support the war efforts in April 1918.

After spending time in Belfast in an administrative post, she was transferred to the headquarters of the Irish Command in Dublin.

She died on October 10, 1918, at the age of 30 while travelling on the HMS Lenister ship which was struck by a torpedo in the Irish Sea.

Miss Westwell had decided to use her 'short leave' to travel back to Warrington to surprise her family and friends.

They were all unaware that she was a passenger until they received the news.

Her courage and bravery were noted by a surviving passenger in an extract in the Warrington Examiner.

The report read: "There was a Canadian major who was amongst the rescued, and the first remark he made was that of all the things that impressed him most at the time, was the behaviour of the Queen Mary's Auxiliary Corps on board.

"Their courage was magnificent.

"Your daughter [May] was the one referred to as she was the only woman officer travelling and there were few women in uniform on the boat."

Pupils and staff at the school on Collin Street are calling on the public to help create the poppy installation out of recycled plastic bottles.

The poppies will be on display at the front of St Barnabas Church on Lovely Lane.

A spokesman for the school said: "The children of St Barnabas School are passionate about the story of May Westwell and want this tragic event shared and commemorated in its 100th year in a fitting way.

“We would like to involve as many people, community groups and schools by asking them to send a poppy to feature on the cascade."

The tribute is due to be completed for The May Westwell Memorial Service at the church on October 10.

To find out how to make a poppy visit stbarnabasce.co.uk.