MUSEUM visitors can take part in a First World War training camp during the half term holiday.

From Saturday (February 14) to Sunday, February 22, Beamish, near Stanley in County Durham, will stage drills and sports challenges in The Pit Village camp, offer field kitchen food and have tents ranging from medical to laundry.

Activities will include trying on uniforms, making cards, packing parcels for soldiers on the front line, singing morale-boosting songs in the chapel and sessions at a recruitment station.

The stories of Victoria Cross hero Private Michael Heaviside, from Craghead, near Stanley, and two Sunderland AFC players - Charlie Buchan, who saw action on the Western Front, and conscientious objector Norman Gaudie, will be told

First World War exhibitions from local history groups and work from schools will also be on display.

Community Events Officer Gemma Stevenson said: “We’ve been working with communities to explore local stories from the First World War.

“There are some amazing stories, some of which may have been forgotten or never told before.

“In 1915, there was a big drive towards recruitment, so we’re telling that story this February half term.”

The open air museum, which was established to showcase the region’s industrial heritage is open from 10am to 4pm – the last admission is at 3pm - on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays during the winter.

For ticket details visit www.beamish.org.uk or call 0191-370-4000.