A FIRST World War project in Williton has got off to a flying start thanks to £7,800 of Heritage Lottery funding.

The Williton branch of the Royal British Legion and the Williton Remembers WWI project have made a start on their plan.

The project will enable Williton to preserve and share in the memories and heritage of people who lived through the First World War.

Information gathered will be digitally recorded and included in a time capsule to be buried in the War Memorial Garden.

The project is seeking people to come forward with memorabilia, documents and artefacts.

Local historian Glyn Court and others have already supplied photographs.

Children from schools in Williton have been sent home with details of a competition to work on poems, essays and models.

An exhibition will take place in the Parish Rooms from September 13-19, finishing with a Day of Commemoration on September 20 on the Memorial Recreation ground.

A parade, service and presentation will take place followed by a concert in the marquee.

Williton Royal British Legion vice-chairman Eric Jones said: “We are very grateful for the Heritage Lottery funding which has allowed us to plan a particularly special event and to the parish council for its whole-hearted support”.

Williton Parish Council chairman Robert McDonald added: “I am particularly pleased that the War Memorial Recreation Ground, given to the village in memory of those who fell in the First World War, will play a central role in the commemoration events.”