AN APPEAL has been launched in Hartlepool for wartime items to help teach youngsters about the past.

The Learning Team at the Museum of Hartlepool is asking for donations of artefacts relating to the Home Front during both world wars.

Claire Munroe, of Hartlepool Council's arts and museums service, said: "For children, being able to touch and handle real objects and documents from the two world wars would really bring the past to life and stimulate their learning." Call (01429) 523483 or (01429) 523451 to help.