RYEDALE MP Anne McIntosh is urging her constituents to apply ing for funding for community projects to mark the centenary of the First World War, b learn more.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is making at least £1m a year available until 2019 as part of the First World War: Then and Now programme for small, community grants. It provides grants of £3,000 to £10,000 enabling groups right across the UK to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.

Successful projects will include: l Researching, identifying and recording local heritage; l Creating a community archive or collection; l Developing new interpretation of heritage through exhibitions, trails, smartphone apps etc; l Researching, writing and performing creative material based on heritage sources; l Conserving and finding out more about war memorials.

Miss McIntosh said: “I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is making the money available to local communities. Like many areas across the UK, the impact of the First World War on the people of Thirsk and Malton was extensive. For those who want to find out more about its legacy or who wish to mark the Centenary, I would urge them to get in touch with HLF.”

An online application pack is available at http://www.hlf.org.uk/ThenandNow