THE MP representing Alcester has urged residents to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to pay for community projects to mark the centenary of the First World War.

HLF is making at least £1million a year available until 2019 as part of the 'First World War: then and now' programme for small, community grants and Nadhim Zahawi MP urged his constituents to think about how they would like to mark the centenary.

“Like many areas across the UK, the impact of the First World War on the people of Stratford on Avon was extensive. For those who want to find out more about its legacy or who wish to mark the centenary, I would urge them to get in touch with HLF,” he said.

HLF provides grants of £3,000 to £10,000 enabling groups right across the UK to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.

Successful projects have included researching, identifying and recording local heritage, creating a community archive or collection and researching, writing and performing creative material based on heritage sources.

Dame Jenny Abramsky, chair of HLF, added: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaped every corner of the UK and beyond.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund’s 'First World War: then and now' programme will enable communities to explore the continuing legacy of this war and help young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”

If a group have a project idea to mark the centenary, an online application pack is available at hlf.org.uk/ThenAndNow.