Storytellers urged to join history project PEOPLE with an ear for a good story are being sought to record the oral histories of local residents in and around the Helmsley area.

The memories and recollections are being collected as part of the Lime and Ice Project, a five-year initiative supported by a grant of just under £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The aim is to encourage people to research, explore and manage the heritage in the southwest corner of the North York Moors National Park and the northern part of the Howardian Hills.

Volunteers do not need any previous experience as full training in recording and documenting oral histories will be provided.

The personal accounts of village and rural life will be used in an exhibition at Sutton Bank when the project finishes in 2013.

Nick Lishman, assistant Lime and Ice project officer, said: “We are keen to capture interesting personal reminisces of local folklore, customs and traditions.

“People’s everyday experiences can be useful in filling in gaps from historical documents or books and are an interesting and different way to put across local history in exhibitions and events.”

Anyone interested in taking part – either as storytellers or interviewers – are asked to contact Nick Lishman by April 16 by phoning 01439 770657 or email n.lishman@northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk