THOUSANDS of people have experienced an exhibition exploring how music shaped life in the Durham Light Infantry (DLI).

When the Bugle Calls is now on display at Seaham library, having already delighted and inspired visitors in Bishop Auckland and Stanhope.

The free exhibition uses objects and archival material from the DLI Collection to show how music helped soldiers rally their regiment and keep morale alive during the most dark and dangerous times.

It is the second annual exhibition from Durham County Council and the DLI Trustees, and will remain at Seaham until mid-December.

After this, it is likely to be included within a larger exhibition in the region and has the potential to go on tour nationally later in 2019.

Cllr Ossie Johnson, Cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues, said: “It has been wonderful to see so many families enjoying When the Bugle Calls and to hear what the exhibition meant to them.

“The touring exhibitions take new and exciting stories out to our communities to provide people with opportunities to celebrate and discover more about our rich collective heritage.”

Durham University exhibitions team and the council are now drawing up plans for the development and delivery of a third touring exhibition, which will focus on troops returning home from conflict.

This is in addition to objects on show at the DLI Collection exhibition gallery at Durham University’s Palace Green Library; Courage, Comrades, Community at the DLI Research and Study Centre at Sevenhills in Spennymoor; and the regimental archive at Durham County Record Office in County Hall.