A CERTIFICATE recording a community's gratitude to a soldier returning from the First World War is to be included in a new wing at one of the region's leading museums.

Eden Camp, near Malton, North Yorkshire, has earned a reputation for the quality of its exhibits, telling the story of the Second World War.

However, when Hut 11 opens soon, it will focus on the fighting in the trenches between 1914 and 1918.

Curators have been busy over the past few months trawling the archives for relevant exhibits reflecting what life was like at that time.

One of the documents they found was presented to Harold Greenley on his return to Old Malton after peace was declared on Armistice Day.

Different from others from the era in that is apparently handwritten, it also includes a drawing of the village's main street.

"I think it was given to us a couple of years ago by Mr Greenley's son, who was in his 80s himself," said museum spokesman Steve Jaques.

"We do have others from villages in the area, as well as some given to veterans coming home after the Second World War, but this one seems rarer in that it isn't printed. It is also in remarkable condition - almost as crisp and clear as the day it was written.

"If there are any more documents like these out there, we would love to hear from their owners and perhaps they too could be included in the display."

Anyone who has items from the First World War which may be of interest to the museum is asked to telephone (01653) 697777.