A UNIQUE film depicting the horrors of one of the most bloody battles of World War One in the summer and autumn of 1916, is to be brought to Craven as part of a project with the Imperial War Museum.

'The Battle of the Somme' is to be screened in Settle, Burton-in-Lonsdale, Skipton and Earby thanks to a collaboration between the Craven and the First World War project and the Imperial War Museum.

Filmed in 1916, it was the first feature-length documentary about war and changed the way both cinema and film was perceived by the public.

Rob Freeman, who is spearheading CFWW project, said: “Many of the local regiments suffered heavy losses during the battle of the Somme and it is only fitting, therefore, that we should bring the film to Craven to honour the lives of these local men and women who were involved in the fighting.

"The film provides us with the most realistic impression of what the war was like for the millions serving in France and I believe it should be seen by everyone to understand the true, horrifying nature of war.

"I signed up to show a copy as soon as I heard the Imperial War Museum had them available as part of its Centenary Partnership."

In the year of the film's release around 20 million people, almost half the population of Britain at the time, watched it many hoping to see the image of a loved-one, or friend.

The first day of the battle on July 1 was the bloodiest in the history of the British Army with 57,740 casualties including 19,240 killed.

The producers had expected that the offensive would be a great success, so the film was to record the victory and demonstrate the effectiveness of the British Army.

To guarantee a seat, book in advance through the Settle Victoria Hall website (www.settlevictoriahall.org.uk).

Screenings - all from 7.30pm - will be at Burton-in-Lonsdale on Wednesday, September 21, at Skipton Town Hall on Tuesday, September 27, Settle Town Hall on Friday, October 7, and Earby New Road Community Centre on Friday, October 11.