Sandwich Junior School is helping to promote the importance of the Magna Carta.

The school in St Bart’s Road has seen Year 5 pupils learning about the historic document and how it relates to democracy today.

Pupils learnt how a king was able to manipulate laws for their own benefit in the past.

Head teacher Sheilagh Roberts said: “As the Magna Carta represents the foundation of democracy, I think it’s important.”

She also said she hopes to work with the town council in the future with projects helping to publicise the Magna Carta and Charter of Forest exhibition, when it comes to the town in September.

Year 5 pupils were set homework on the topic by teacher Donna McGuirk. Each child had to design a flag based on how they feel about freedom and human rights in Britain today.

Mrs McGuirk said: “The homework has helped to reinforce the children’s understanding of why the Magna Carta was created.

“Furthermore their designs linked closely with the children’s concept of British values, the right to justice, and our own core values in the wider context – and, of course, the excitement of a potential competition win added to their interest.”

Nine-year-old Laura Weston shared an information pack, which was sent from her grandmother, with the rest of the class.

It showcased the history surrounding the Magna Carta and helped to bring the subject to life a little bit more.

The winners of the competition are yet to be announced but all entries were submitted on Monday this week.

First prize will win £50 worth of vouchers and their flag shall be made and raised on permanent display at the Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford.

Runners-up will also receive vouchers.

The Mercury has launched an appeal for the community of Sandwich to help bring the Magna Carta and Charter of Forest back.

The campaign is supported by Sandwich Town Council, The Mercury and Discovery Park.

The idea is to harness business support, community groups, schools and individuals who are able to give their time, skills or funds to help the cause.

The cost of conservation work, the cases and insurance is £35,000 and any businesses or individuals who can help as much or as little as they can are urged to get in touch.

The Visit Kent exhibition will come to Sandwich in September this year and the council hopes to drum-up as much support as it can before then.

If you want to support your community, boost tourism, and would like to see these historic documents brought back to the town after all these years, then contact Sandwich Town Council on 01304 617197.