PEOPLE in Chester-le-Street are to be trained in interviewing and writing skills and how to conduct research.

They have joined the Return To Learn Centre's People's War course at the town's Hermitage School.

Now, the group is seeking stories from people who lived through the Second World War, including prisoners-of-war, evacuees and women who worked in the munitions factories.

The course is being run with the BBC and aims to use material in broadcasts commemorating the 60th anniversary of the war later this year.

The idea is that the sacrifices made by everyday people against the Nazis as they swept across Europe should not be forgotten.

Anyone wishing to join the course, or who wishes to share a war story, is asked to call (01207) 230521.