RELICS and photographs from the Second World War will be part of a touring exhibition of the Imperial War Museum.

To add a strong local touch to the display, Hartlepool Art Gallery would like to hear from people who served for their country, any child evacuees or anyone with items from the era.

In January, the gallery will be hosting an Imperial War Museum touring exhibition about the Second World War.

It is appealing for Hartlepool people to lend it wartime photographs and relics to add to the exhibition.

All the items will be returned after use - copies of the photographs will be made for use in the displays, and the originals will be promptly returned.

The pictures will also be displayed online on the local history website Port Cities Hartlepool at www.port cities.hartlepool. gov.uk

Diane Marlborough, who is helping co-ordinate the exhibition for Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "We are very proud to be working with the Imperial War Museum on this thought-provoking exhibition, which will highlight the experiences and sacrifices of ordinary people during the Second World War.

"We would like to give a very strong Hartlepool feel to the exhibition, so we would welcome the loan of items from both the Armed Forces and the Home Front."

If you can help, contact Ms Marlborough on (01429) 284341.

The exhibition, called Their Past, Your Future, will be held from Tuesday, January 10 to Sunday, February 19, and entry will be free.