A RECORD of life in a north Essex town’s during the First World War will be collected following a £9,000 lottery grant.

WIvenhoe History Group has received the Heritage Lottery Fund grant for a project which will see volunteers collect photographs, newspaper clippings, letters, photos and family tales passed down to build a picture of life between 1914 and 1918.

The aim is to allow Wivenhoe residents to come together and preserve the memories and heritage of their predecessors.

The information will be digitally recorded and an online archieve will be created for everyone to access and contribute towards.

The group is keen to learn more about those commemorated on its War Memorial and also those from Wivenhoe who are not remembered on it.

Group member Gillian Strudwick said pupils at the town’s primary schools would also contribute to the project and learn about life there a century ago.

She said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and we are looking forward to working with all age groups in Wivenhoe to find out and learn more about our community during the period of the First World War: 1914 – 1918.”

The lottery fund is contributing £15 million nationwide to First World War projects.