YOUNGSTERS in Hartlepool got a taste of how wartime Christmas was celebrated in 1914 at a special event last night (Monday, December 16).

There were festive crafts from the period, a special drama performance, and a screening of the famous Blackadder Goes Forth Christmas TV episode.

The young people aged 12 to 16 also got a First World War-themed goody bag including a packed lunch, toy and a classic children’s book.

The event is part of a two-year project called “Seeds of Change” which aims to encourage teenagers to learn about World War One.

The project has been developed by the Arts for Teens Group – young people working with Hartlepool Council’s Youth Support Service and Museums Service to develop better cultural opportunities for youngsters in the town – and is being funded by a £34,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Nichola McIntosh, the Youth Service’s Seeds of Change Project Worker, said: “It was called “It will be all over by Christmas” to reflect the expectations of people in 1914 that the war would be over for Christmas – a hope which was to be so tragically dashed.”

The aim was to give young people an insight into the First World War and help them get involved in the project’s exciting future activities.”

Yesterday (December 16) was the 99th anniversary of the German naval bombardment of Hartlepool, which killed 112 people in the town during the early stages of the First World War.