THE First World War Centenary: From Fells to Flanders is an exhibition opening today (Thursday) at the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry.

The display explores the Lake District’s contribution to World War One and the impact felt at home.

Running until December 20, James Arnold, assistant curator of social history from Lakeland Arts, said at first glance the conflict seemed to have been far away from the landscape of the Lake District – but a closer examination revealed that the region made a huge contribution to the war effort.

“Experiments in early flight on Windermere were instrumental to the formation of the Royal Naval Air Service, local industries and individuals got behind the war effort and craftsmen and women carved memorials and produced artwork to commemorate those who did not return home,” he said.

Lakeland Arts is part of the First World War Centenary Partnership, led by the Imperial War Museums. The partnership is delivering a programme of events and activities aiming to inspire young and old to connect with the lives, stories and impact of the World War I.

l The museum wants to hear people’s family’s stories of Lakeland life during the war and to learn of heirlooms that survived as a record of their family’s role in the conflict. For further information, call James Arnold on 01539-722464 or email jarnold@ lakelandarts.org.uk.