THE STORIES of men and women during the First World War are to be remembered as part of a project involving young people in County Durham.

Pupils at Park View School, in Chester-le-Street, began taking part in the Into The Trenches education programme today (Tuesday, 6 January).

The initiative, run by Theatre Centre with the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery, Live Theatre and Durham County Record Office, aims to give young people the skills to investigate the lives of local men and women during the conflict.

Their research will focus on the impact of recruitment and conscription on local communities and will be used as the basis for a drama to be produced by the young people later in the year and published online.

Liz Bregazzi, county archivist at Durham County Record Office, said: “There are some fascinating and very important stories to be told from this era.

“We are pleased to be able to help young people research them and ensure the bravery of those who went to fight and the sacrifices of those who stayed at home are not forgotten.”

Several schools will be taking part in the project.

The amateur historians will also get to see a performance of Theatre Centre’s production of The Muddy Choir, which tells the story of three Sunderland Lads in the trenches of Ypres in 1917.

There will also be public performances of the Muddy Choir at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery from Thursday, 22 January to Saturday, 24 January.

For more information about the public performances, contact the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery on 03000 266 633 or visit www.dlidurham.org.uk.