The Big lottery Fund has donated grant money to help with the hunt for Aycliffe Angels and others who leant a hand during the Second World War.

Mrs Lucy Thompson and Mrs Ann Symons received £7,850 from the 'Home Front Recall' in a bid to find ladies who lived in the Coundon and Leeholme area and who worked at the Aycliffe and Heighington Ordenance factories from 1939 to 1945.

Over the next 12 months, activities will be organised to celebrate and remember the Aycliffe Angels.

On Saturday August 20 there will be a tea party and dance, and in November a weekend trip to London will be held for the Festival of Remembrance.

The search is also on for residents who were in the Home Guard, Bevan Boys at Leasing Thorne Colliery, land army girls, ex-servicemen and women and anyone who was an evacuee.

The ladies are also looking for memorabilia to borrow for an exhibition.

For further details contact Mrs Thompson on 01388 662925 or Mrs Symons on 01388 665587.