SCOUTS from across Wyre Forest are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War with a special heritage weekend.

For the past six months, 12 Scout groups from the Kidderminster and the Severn and Teme districts have been researching First World War history with the plan to stage an event for fellow Scouts and their families later this month.

The group were helped in their quest for knowledge by bringing war stories to life after a re-enactor, fully kitted out as a soldier, explained the significance of the anniversary.

The Scouts then visited local libraries where staff helped research their ancestors who took part in the war.

Alongside support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Wyre Forest District Council, the council’s rangers have also carried out conservation work at the First World War rifle range next to the Scout’s camping headquarters.

The rangers have also dug a replica First World War trench within the camping grounds of the site.

All the research and conservation work will culminate in a First World War Heritage Weekend which is being held on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, at Rhydd Covert.

Geoff Shaw, project officer at Wyre Forest District Council, said: “It has been an amazing experience to learn about the lives of local men and women and their contribution to the war effort.

“It makes you realise the importance of team work and working together for a common goal.

“The preparation for the heritage weekend has been a really rewarding experience and we are pleased to see how much the scouts have got involved and learned about their own heritage.”

During the weekend, a plaque will be unveiled showing some of the ancestral research done by the Scouts, a team of re-enactors will demonstrate what life would be like in a trench by taking part in a war drill, and there will be a programme of events involving practical camouflage and battlefield safaris around the rifle range.

District councillor Helen Dyke, cabinet member for operational services, said: “We have been very pleased to work with local scouting groups with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“This is an important project which helps provide long term context for young people and provides in insight into what went on around the area 100 years ago.”