SKIPTON Library was given over to everything connected to the Great War at a special event on Armistice Day.

It formed part of the Craven and the First World War project, funded by the Heritage Lottery, and aimed to build a greater understanding of life in Craven during the First World War.

The aim is to hold a series of events over the next three years and the Craven Remembers event gave people from all over the district the opportunity to discover what life was like in Craven during the early months of the First World War.

The library's First World War resources were available and groups from throughout the district revealed how the conflict affected life in the towns and villages.

Family history experts were on hand to help people trace their First World War ancestors and representatives from the Heritage Lottery Fund were available to advise on funding support.

There were talks by local historians and speakers, including Dr Bill Smith, of the Skipton Academy, who spoke about Tunstill’s Men, the group of men who were independently recruited.

Professor Alison Fell, project leader of the University of Leeds' Legacies of War project, explored how Belgian refugees came to Yorkshire soon after the war began and former Craven Herald and Pioneer editor Ian Lockwood looked at Skipton and the Home Front.

There were also exhibits from the Craven Museum and Gallery and Settle's Museum of North Craven Life, based at The Folly.

A library spokesman said: "The project also involves us in requesting people to bring in First World War memorabilia from home – medals, letters or photographs or other items - that we aim to make part of a pop-up museum in the library. "

The event took place during the Armistice Day commemorations last Tuesday and the traditional two minutes silence was observed at 11am.

People wanting to find out more information about the Craven Remembers project should contact the library on 0845 034 9538, or email skipton.library@northyorks.gov.uk.

Events will be carrying on over the next three years and and further information is available at facebook.com/CravenandtheFWWproject or email project officer Robert Freeman RFreeman@cravendc.gov.uk