BOMBING raids, rationing and women taking on what were seen as men’s jobs.

The home front effort in Britain during the Second World War saw the nation pull together.

This period of history will be recalled with an event which takes a peek at the work civilian women did from 1939 to 1945.

Visitors to Hollytrees Museum, in Colchester, will get the chance to find out more about the war effort.

On hand at the event will be an air raid warden and Land Army girl to guide the visitors and explain what they would have had to do to fight for the cause.

People will also be able to handle objects from the time, including gas masks, torches and uniforms, and take part in some stirrup pump training.

Laura Hardisty, at the museum resource centre, says: “This is a fascinating time in history and there is so much to learn about it.

“For instance, all children during the war time were issued with a gas mask and had to carry it around with them all the time.

“Visitors to the museum on the day will get the chance to get creative and make their own gas mask.”

The Home Front at the Hollytrees Museum, Colchester, takes place on Thursday, April 14, and Friday, April 15, from 10am till 4pm.

Entry is free, and the gas mask making activity costs £1.50 each.