THE Dean Heritage Centre is calling for memorabilia from the First World War to commemorate the centenary.

The centre in Soudley is working with the Forest of Dean Local History Society to produce an exhibition on the Great War later this year.

The aim is to show how WWI affected the Forest of Dean and the exhibition will look at the impact the war had on those in the forces as well as life at home.

Nicola Wynn, collections officer said: "We have many objects from World War Two but not so many from the WW1 period. We'd like to ask if anyone has any objects they could donate or loan to us for a few months for the WW1 exhibition. These objects could be directly associated with the war or illustrate aspects of home life e.g. medals, letters, photographs, memoirs, uniform, certificates and other ephemera."

The First World War was a global war centred in Europe that began on July 28 1914 and ended November 11 1918. It was the fifth-deadliest conflict in world history with more than nine million combatants killed in action.

The centre has received an authentic side drum from Mitcheldean brass band, kindly donated by David Tuffley. His father, local historian Les Tuffley, was given the drum in the early 1990s complete with drumsticks. The Mitcheldean brass band had an inconsistent life and was disbanded in 1914 and never reformed. DHC staff suspect that one reason for the band folding was the outbreak of the war.

An exhibition of the findings will be on display on the weekend of August 2.

Harri Le Claire, PR and event manager said: "We'd like the weekend to be one that honours those who fought in WW1, both at home and away, and also the men and women who are in our military forces today. I'd be interested in hearing from any clubs, musicians, re-enactment or special interest groups that could bring something extra to the event."

Anyone interested in loaning objects or sharing a story must contact Nicola Wynn on 01594 822170 to make an appointment.