HUNDREDS of memories from the Second World War will be shared at an exhibition at Alcester Town Hall next week.

They have been gathered by a team of about 20 who have been working for the past year to create an event to mark the end of hostilities.

Artefacts including gas masks, a uniform and parachute will be on show as well as more than 70 display boards featuring local events and people.

But it is not just Alcester's story, as organiser John Bunting is quick to point out.

"The war changed the way of life in this country.

"Before then people would probably stay in the place where they were born, but now they move around.

"Many of the people in Alcester had their war experiences in other parts of the country but it is all relevant."

Mr Bunting said he has been amazed by the amount of support he has been given for the project, and at how much material he has been given.

Two weeks before the event it was still coming in.

Local schools have been involved creating displays and over the two days pupils will be reading stories from the exhibition.

"One of them will be reading his grandfather's story which will be very poignant," said Mr Bunting. "I don't know how they are going to do it. I know I couldn't."

The exhibition is open on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 from 10am to 5pm.

There is no charge but donations will be accepted towards the refurbishment and possible re-siting of one of the town's air raid shelters.

All the information used in the exhibition will be passed on to the National Archives after the event.