A HISTORY project in a Teesdale village has been given a boost with a grant of almost £18,000.

Stainton Grove Community Association wants to create a project about their village, which was dominated by a military camp from The Second World War until the Seventies.

Called the Memories of Stainton Grove Military Camp, it will involve local people and former residents contributing towards an exhibition featuring personal stories, photographs and memorabilia about the camp.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £17,800 through the Your Heritage grant programme to the community association, which will manage the project with support from Groundwork West Durham and Darlington.

The money will pay for a consultant to talk to the community and gather memories from ex-servicemen and residents. It will also fund an artist to work with young people.

The project will be launched in November next year.

Eileen O'Hara, trustee and association committee member, said: "We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is backing our project. We aim to conserve and promote the memory of those who served their country and to recognise the enormous contribution they made."

Sam Jackson, Teesdale heritage officer for Groundwork, said: "Stainton Grove Community Association can help the local community create and be part of a lasting reminder that will highlight the significance of the Army's presence within the village."

The village, just outside Barnard Castle still shows many signs of its military past, with the former barracks now being used by local businesses and the district council.