AN event to mark the centenary of the outbreak of First World War in an east Cleveland market town has received a £10,000 boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Guisborough Parochial Church Council has received £10,000 for a project based in Gisborough Priory, St Nicholas Church, and the Parish Hall, will focus on Guisborough War Stories and a Home Front Event.

To mark the Centenary of the First World War, the project will enable local people in Guisborough to come together to preserve the memories and heritage of the people who lived through the First World War.

Activities proposed will include a research project, in association with students from Laurence Jackson School, and supported by local historian Roger Darnton, into the names on the cenotaph and war graves in Guisborough cemetery.

The results will be published in a book and made available to local educational establishments, community and heritage groups, and the general public.

There will also be a series of events in early July including a memorabilia event and exhibition in the St Nicholas Church and Home Front re-enactment group activities, military demonstrations, and vehicles in Gisborough Priory.

Susan Hill, event organiser, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund which will enable us to deliver an event not only of interest to the local community, but also to the wider community, bringing visitors into the town. It will also provide a lasting legacy of the sacrifices made by people of this town in order that we may enjoy the life we have today.

“I am delighted at the response from the local community, offering the loan of memorabilia for the exhibition, and volunteering to help in various ways, making this a truly community event.”