A ROADSHOW to highlight the role played by Cumbrian communities in the Battle of the Somme a century ago rolls into Millom on Saturday, September 17.

Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life brings its Somme100 event to Millom Discovery Centre from 11am to 3pm.

It has already visited places such as Keswick, Maryport, Penrith, Alston, Brampton and Cockermouth.

The 141-day Battle of the Somme, which started on July 1 in 1916, had horrendous casualty figures which impacted on communities across the country.

The Carlisle-based museum has set up a project to highlight those local connections and the ordinary people involved.

The aim is to help people understand the campaign and allow Cumbrians to pay their respect to those who took part in the Somme offensive.

Seven Battalions of the Border Regiment, and men from Cumberland and Westmorland in other regiments, were involved in this major battle.

Roadshow organisers hope that people will visit the Millom event with photographs, documents, or objects that tell a story about their family connections to those who fought on the Somme.

You can find out more about the Somme campaign and get assistance with researching your First World War ancestors.

Visitors can also handle wartime objects and make a poppy.

A museum spokesman said: “We are keen to hear your personal connections to this campaign which may be included in commemorative exhibitions and displays. or uploaded to our Somme100 blog.”

A special exhibition on Cumbria’s role in the Battle of the Somme can be seen at the museum, inside the walls of Carlisle castle, until November 20.