A GROUP of largely housebound people were taken on a trip down memory lane, thanks to funding from a community grant scheme.

Memories rekindled among members of St Michael's Catholic Housebound Group, in Houghton-le-Spring, on the nostalgic trip to Eden Camp, North Yorkshire, could end up in print in a local publication.

The camp, at Malton, re-creates life for both the military and on Civvy Street, during the 1939-45 conflict.

A 30-strong party of group members, aged 75 to 92, all from the Houghton-le-Spring and Copt Hill areas, recalled the days of ration books, evacuation, bomb shelters and community spirit on the visit.

Their memories and experiences were recorded by pupils from St Robert of Newminster RC School, in Washington, who joined them on the trip.

Group secretary and fund-raiser Monica Murphy said it is hoped it will lead to the publication of a book outlining their wartime experiences.

"It will hopefully build the confidence and mental well-being of the residents involved in the project and also create a ground-breaking relationship between two generations," she said.

She thanked the Aspire grant scheme, which donated £500 to help make the trip possible.

The scheme has £50,000 available to benefit community groups or individuals showing local enterprise, initiative, or raising the community spirit.

It is overseen by the Sunderland Housing Group and is available to worthy causes in Sunderland and surrounding areas.

Further information is available on 0191-525 5000.