TROOPS who served in the Second World War and Italian and German prisoners of war who settled in Somerset after the conflict are being asked to come forward to tell their stories.

The Museum of Somerset in Taunton is staging an exhibition to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the war in 1945.

‘War Stories: Reflections on the end of the Second World War’, backed by a £47,500 Heritage Lottery grant, will focus on recording and sharing video accounts from people whose lives were shaped by the war.

South West Heritage Trust is looking to talk to Armed forces veterans, members of the Women’s Land Army, evacuees and civilians from that time.

The exhibition, which opens in the spring, will feature video interviews as well as objects, photos and documents collected as part of the project.

There will be other opportunities for people to get involved, including through volunteering, attending events or participating in learning activities.

Anyone who experienced life in Somerset during the Second World War who has a story to tell should contact Freya Ward on 01823-278805.

Sam Astill, who is leading the project for the South West Heritage Trust, said: “This project comes at a significant time.

“As the number of people who experienced the war gradually grows smaller, it has become ever more important to capture the first-hand testimony of a remarkable generation.

“We are very grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for making the project possible.”

The project has also been supported by a range of other funders, including the Somerset Military Museum Trust, the Friends of the Museum of Somerset and the Rifles and Light Infantry Association.