THOUSANDS of pounds worth of grants are being offered to explore and honour the legacy of Darlington's involvement in the First World War.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has made funds available of between £3,000 and £10,000 to launch projects surrounding the Great War and how its aftermath affected town life.

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman is urging residents to apply for the funds following more than £11m worth of investments into Darlington heritage projects since 1994 from the National Lottery.

Ms Chapman said: “Darlington has a rich history and I’m delighted to support the Heritage Lottery Funds call for local residents to take part in exploring our town’s important history.

"British society was inextricably altered by the Great War, no part of our society was left untouched.

"Our town will be no different, I would be fascinated to learn more about the part Darlington played in the First World War.

"Many people have an interest in research and local history, but perhaps do not have the funds to dig deeper."

The money is being made available through the HLF's First World War: then and now programme..

Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Sir Peter Luff, said: “Sadly, the ‘war to end all wars’ was no such thing and so it is right the events of the First World War should never be forgotten.

"The legacy of the First World War needs to be better understood and so we are encouraging people to come to us with their ideas for projects.”

For more information, visit hlf.org.uk or call 020-75916000.