FROM August 4-9, St Philip's Church in Webheath will host a poignant exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great War.

Amateur researchers have spent the last 18 months looking into the background of approximately 400 men killed during the war from Redditch and commemorated on memorials in the area, and those buried in Plymouth Road Cemetery.

The exhibition is the start of the publication of the information gathered as a lasting memorial to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Also researched have been those pupils who attended St Luke's, St Stephen's and Bridge Street (now Holyoakes Field) schools during the First World War.

Profiles and photographs will explore these people's lives and also looked at will be how Redditch contributed to the war effort with local industries manufacturing munitions, and photos relating to general life in the town during that period.

A model display of aircraft, warships and tanks which took part in the conflict, and the history of Redditch Fire Brigade from 1914 - 1960, using photographs and models.

Some reference will also be made to the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and Operation Market Garden.

The exhibition is being arranged by the The Redditch History & Heritage Group, and Redditch Local History Society (RLHS) will also be attending. RLHS has been undertaking research with local newspaper cuttings into the impact of the war on the home front, and some of this research will also be on display at the exhibition.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley will open the exhibition on Monday, August 4 at 5pm, which marks the 100th anniversary.

Opening times for August 5-8 will be 2pm until 9pm, and on the Saturday, August 9, from 10am until 4pm. Refreshments will be available.

Admission is free but people are invited to make a donation in aid of St Philip's Organ & Building Fund.