MUSEUM chiefs are hunting for previously unseen artefacts from a time when the region was under attack by German warships.

Hartlepool Museum is hosting an exhibition recounting the town's darkest hour, when, in 1914, it was bombarded by three enemy vessels.

More than 100 people died when about 1,000 shells rained down on the town for almost an hour on December 16, 1914.

Among the casualties was Theo Jones, the first soldier to die on British soil in the First World War.

Museum officials are looking for any items relating to the bombing, and are hoping to discover previously unseen mementos.

Collection manager Liz Law said: "We have already had one piece of shrapnel from the bombardment donated to our existing collection and we believe that other items might be out there."

The free exhibition will be held at the museum in the marina from November 25 until the New Year, and will coincide with a BBC television programme on the attack.

Anyone who has an item of interest can contact Ms Law in (01429) 523439.