Farron backs fund to explore impact of the First World War on Cumbria

One year from the Battle of the Somme Centenary, local MP Tim Farron is encouraging communities across Cumbria to apply for new £4m Heritage Lottery Fundmoney to explore the impact of the war.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced new funds to help communities across the UK mark the Centenary of the First World War and Tim is urging communities to apply.

Following the phenomenal success of its community grants programme First World War: then and now, HLF has made an additional £4million available in 2015/16 for communities looking to explore, conserve and share local heritage of the First World War. Grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 are available.

Thanks to this funding, thousands of young people and communities throughout the UK have already been involved in activities marking the Centenary such as: researching and recording local heritage; conserving and finding out more about war memorials; and using digital technology to share the fascinating stories they uncover. This new money will help even more people get involved to explore a greater range of stories including those surrounding the Battle of the Somme.

Tim said:"The projects and stories that have already been shared as part of the First World War Centenary have been an inspiration. Here in Cumbria and across the country, it's very important that we remember the impact of this war one hundred years on. There is still time to apply for funding and I would encourage any local residents with an idea for their own project to get in touch with the Heritage Lottery Fund."

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the HLF, said: "The demand for National Lottery funding for First World War projects has been phenomenal, so much so we've decided to make extra money available. This will mean everyone, in particular more young people, can explore the momentous events of a war that shaped our nation, Europe and the world. Next year marks the centenary of the Battle of Somme and if groups want support for projects in 2016, they need to start thinking about applying now."

£70 million of HLF investment has enabled more than 1,000 First World War projects to take place across the country. More information on how to apply for HLF funding is available at www.hlf.org.uk