A HISTORY group is putting on a production aimed at bringing the home front to life as part of events to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Keep the Home Fires Burning has been written by members of Coxhoe Local History Group and includes sketches and re-enactments to bring to life the story of how the community worked together to support the war effort.

It has been based on newspaper reports in the Durham County Advertiser archives 1914 -1919, discovered during research at Durham County Records Office, and members of the community will portray Coxhoe’s personalities at that time.

It takes place on Thursday, October 11 from 7pm to 9pm at Coxhoe Village Hall. Admission is free.

The event is the first part of the group’s Heritage Lottery funded First World War centenary commemoration project, which also includes an exhibition on Sunday, November 11, of the results of four years of research.

They are producing maps of Coxhoe from 1919, and are able to pinpoint individual houses and streets with information about those who enlisted.

Group member Barbara Hepplewhite said: “Our aim is to ensure that all have the opportunity to learn and understand the outstanding achievements of Coxhoe people and show the example they set working as a team to support each other and the war effort.

“Coxhoe is a growing village and we have a new generation and community and we need to show what can be done when all work together for a common cause and understand the legacy and how it helped shape our community today

Colour printed brochures, with details about those who enlisted and information about what Coxhoe was like at the time, will be delivered to each household.