Come and share your family stories about the First World War – that’s the invitation to people in the Ellesmere area in the build up to the centenary of the Armistice.

The Friends of Ellesmere Library are holding a special “show and tell” event on Thursday, May 3 to give locals a chance to remember their loved ones’ part in the Great War, which ended with the signing of the Armistice in 1918.

The town’s library, Our Space, in Trimpley Street, will be open between 2pm and 4pm for people to go along with memorabilia and tales passed down through the generations.

Friends’ vice-chair Sue Ardill said: “We’re looking forward to finding out more about the part played by the people of this town and the surrounding area during the First World War. Of course, there is no-one alive today to give a first-hand account. But I’m sure many families will be able to relate stories told to them by their parents, grandparents and great grandparents who served during the conflict, or who have stories to tell about civilian life during the four years that we were at war with Germany.

“We hope, too, that people will bring along any memorabilia that’s been passed down, so that others will be able to see it.”

The event will include a display commemorating the 67 local men and one woman who gave their lives during the war.

Sue added: “This is a great opportunity for the community to come together and talk about it all, everyone is welcome and we’ll be serving refreshments.”

• Tickets are still available for the Friends of the Library event at the Boathouse in Ellesmere on Friday, April 27 to mark World Book Night. The theme is “World War 1 remembered” and it will include music, drama and readings of works by Wilfred Owen and other war poets. For tickets, £20, please contact Sue Ardill,01691 624331 to book a place.