LIFE inside a Darlington munitions factory and the story of brave pilots from Redcar who flew from the town's Royal Navy air station are being showcased as part of an exhibition at Kirkleatham Museum.

Entitled ‘Remembering Our War’, the travelling exhibit will look at people living in the Tees Valley during the First World War.

A selection of exhibits on display tell the story of Stockton’s only Victoria Cross winner, Edward Cooper.

As a Sergeant in the 12th Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps, he charged down a German machine gun blockhouse with four other men causing the 45 German troops inside to throw down their weapons and surrender.

He only discovered he had been awarded the highest military honour for valour by reading a newspaper at King’s Cross Station in January 1918 while waiting for his train home to Darlington.

Councillor Steven Goldswain, cabinet member for community protection at Redcar Borough Council, said: “Having the opportunity for the museum’s visitors to learn more about the sacrifices made by Tees Valley residents 100 years ago is excellent. Many don’t realise just how big a part our region played in the Great War so the opportunity to educate the younger generations was not one to be missed.”

The free exhibit created by JANVS Design will run until Sunday , November 2 at Kirkleatham Museum, Kirkleatham Lane, Redcar.