Residents with memories of living during the First World War or those whose relatives have passed down stories from the era are invited to take part in a research project.

Essex County Council has recruited volunteers to collate stories for use in the project Now the Last Poppy has Fallen, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great War on August 4 next year.

Bella D’Arcy Reed is looking for stories from the Maldon area and Caroline Whalley is researching Burnham stories.

Contact Bella on 01621 892737 or email belladarcy@accessiblegardens.org.uk

Caroline can be contacted on 01621 785845 or cwandmjr@tiscali.co.uk