CULTURAL and heritage organisations from across Worcestershire are combining in a four year programme to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

To be called Worcestershire World War One Hundred, it has attracted more than £353,000 of support from the Lottery Heritage Fund, the largest allocation of money for any First World War initiative outside London. The aim is to pay tribute to the role the county played in the conflict and tell the stories of Worcestershire people, their involvement with and personal legacy from the war.

The project will be launched at The Commandery in Worcester on Thursday, June 26 when members of the public are being asked to take along and donate or loan, their First World War artefacts, memorabilia, photographs and stories. The meeting place will be a period bell tent in the Commandery's outer gardens, which will be open from 11am until 3pm.

Dr Adrian Gregson, policy and collection manager of Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, said: “We are really looking forward to unearthing more stories about the impact World War One had on the people of Worcestershire both on the home front and the front line. We hope Worcestershire residents will share photos, diaries, letters and postcards with us at this event that can be loaned or donated for inclusion in the People’s Collection. A visit to our WW1 Bell Tent will also be a great opportunity for residents to find out more about our Worcestershire World War One Hundred commemoration and what they can expect over the next four years.”

The programme will involve exhibitions, parades, concerts, church services, remembrance events and much more and will take place across Worcestershire from now through to 2018 and beyond. The total Lottery funding of £353,200 covers 10 cultural and heritage organisations from the county that are taking part.

For the full programme and details on up-coming events visit: www.ww1worcestershire.co.uk or follow @WW1Worcs

Anyone unable to visit The Commandery Thursday can visit the website for details on how to donate or loan their First World War artefacts and memorabilia.