AN educational dance troupe has been making young people aware of the huge sacrifice given in the First World War by people of other faiths from across the Empire.

Halifax-based Annapurna Indian Dance group performed the innovative dance, music and storytelling session for school children at the Eden Camp Museum in Old Malton on Thursday.

The performance was designed to teach children that the British war effort drafted soldiers from across the Empire - not just from here.

In support of the Allies’ war effort, more than a million Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Gurkhas fought on many fronts, earning over 9,200 decorations, including 11 Victoria Crosses.

More than 74,000 sacrificed their lives.

Shantha Rao of the group said: “It’s a very sad story and a very powerful story. Most of them were not educated or literate.

"They came here in support of the empire - they were very loyal soldiers. They were the largest volunteer army in the world."

“We at Annapurna want to celebrate and reveal this positive shared history between India and Britain which touches upon race, religion, empire and culture.”