EVESHAM Town Council will mark the commencement of World War 1 and look back over past 100 years later this year with a photographic exhibition and timeline display.

The project, which will be displayed in the rooms beneath the town hall in Market Square, has been inspired by the success of a group set up on Facebook.

Photos and memories of days past in Evesham exploded in popularity in early January and has since become a much loved forum for sharing memories and photos of days gone by.

Deputy Mayor councillor Charlie Homer is hoping the exhibition and display will be just as popular.

He said: "The whole point of this project has come from the success of the recent Facebook page which has seen a huge amount of history being put forward and the very fascinating history of the town.

"We need to somehow mark the centenary year. I do like the idea of using the town hall as some sort of timeline for the history of the town. I would hope to speak with other groups that plan to mark the centenary of the war and bring them together."

If it is a success the project would be put together by the summer in time for the 100 year anniversary of the declaration of war on July 28, 1914.

Costs for the project were estimated by town clerk Stuart Carter at between £1,000 and £2,500.

Cllr Homer added: "We would look for submissions to mark the centenary of the war but also to celebrate 100 years in the Vale.

"There have been some fascination pictures of the conscription outside this building."

But not all councillors were in support of the plan, Cllr Martin Hammon said: "I think we should celebrate the end of the war as opposed to commemorate the start of the war. I would be against doing anything."

Cllr Gerry O'Donnell said he was pleased the project would incorporate a celebration of 100 years.

"I have mixed feelings whether we should commemorate the start rather than the end. But I do like the idea of charting the last 100 years. I do think it should go below the town hall. I think its time that part of the building was smartened up."

The majority of the council agreed to support Cllr Homer's proposal and allocated a maximum budget of £3,000.