A NEW exhibition exploring the impact of the First World War on people in South Craven and the rest of the district has been launched.

The event spotlights the fortunes of Craven's men and women through each year of the conflict.

It focuses not only on those who fought, but the people left behind.

Those who served in the locally-based 6th and 10th battalions of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment are featured.

An insight is given into the impact of the war on the district in areas such as agriculture, industry and village life.

The exhibition – at Skipton Town Hall – is the culmination of Craven Council's Craven and the First World War Project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A series of events and community projects has been staged over the past four years.

Rob Freeman, project officer for the initiative, said: "Thanks to the support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we have been able to develop a greater understanding of life in the Craven district during the First World War.

"This exhibition brings together much of the research that has been carried out throughout the centenary project.

"Over the past four years, there has been a growing interest from within the community for learning about what life was like for those in Craven who lived during the war.

"The project has allowed us to develop a greater understanding of this period of history and the impact it had on the area and share it with the public.

"As a result, Craven's World War One heritage is in a much stronger position than it was before the centenary."

Tribute is paid to the venture by Councillor Simon Myers, lead member for Enterprising Craven.

"The project has provided a fantastic opportunity for the people of Craven to get involved with the commemoration of this important event in our history," he said.

"The Great War touched the lives of almost all families in Craven, including my own. My great uncle Sgt John Myers, of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, was killed in action in France on September 12, 1918, and his brothers all fought in the war in France and in the disastrous Dardanelles campaign of 1915.

"This centenary has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to commemorate the sacrifices made by the men and women of Craven one hundred years ago.

"The various events that have been organised throughout the past four years have undoubtedly left a deep impression on all those who were able to be involved."

The exhibition, which runs until November 24, is open between 10am and 4pm Monday to Saturday. Admission is free.