DELVING into history and culture has been the aim of a trip abroad for West Lakes Academy students.

As pupils toured Germany and Poland, emotions ran high as they were given an insight into the horrors of Auschwitz.

In stark contrast, they also visited busy markets, ate good food and experienced a different culture.

The trip was for held for the GCSE and A-level students.

Connor Lloyd, Year 12 student, said: “Our trip to Germany and Poland was such an amazing experience; learning about all the history and culture of the countries.

“The highlight of the trip was the night visit to the Reichstag. Berlin is such a beautiful city all lit up at night.”

Connor says the Egremont students visited numerous places in Germany including Alexanderplatz, which he describes as “a lovely little area with many shops and very nice food”.

They also visited the famous Wansee conference house, where German government officials met to discuss the ‘final solution’, concerning the extermination of Jews in World War Two.

Visits to numerous museums were held as well as going to markets.

For Connor, visiting Auschwitz was an emotional experience.

He said: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which has opened up my eyes and made me realise how fortunate some of us are.”

Their trip also featured a trip to Krakow, meals out and entertainment including Polish folk dancers.

Connor said the culture, food and people in Krakow were “lovely”. “I would definitely go there again and recommend it to everyone.”

He added: “Overall the whole experience brought out mixed emotions, laughter, sadness and most emotions you can think of. It was the best experience of my life.”