A REPLICA First World War canvas bell tent is to be pitched on a north Lancashire village green during a special weekend to mark the 1914-18 conflict.

Retired history teacher Stephen Roberts is hoping that people will come along to Wennington on Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2, and bring any relics or memorabilia they may have.

On display will be genuine and replica artefacts, mostly purchased on eBay by the former teacher from Kendal's Queen Katherine School, such as a British Tommy's uniform, rifle and bayonet, badges, medals, cutlery, photographs and biographies of soldiers from Kendal and Carnforth.

Kendal town councillor Paul Bramham will be on hand to share his expertise on medals with visitors, who will be able to taste a slice of traditional trench cake with their cups of tea and coffee. The dense, egg-free fruit cake was often baked and posted to loved ones to boost morale on the front line during the First World War, and its recipe featured margarine, and vinegar to react with baking soda to help the cake rise.

Villagers including Mr Roberts' wife Anne will be making the cake as well as other authentic recipes from the era such as Army ration-pack bully beef, biscuits and bread.

Event organiser Mr Roberts, who taught at the Kendal school for 13 years, plans to spend two nights under canvas in the military-style tent. Twelve feet in diameter, it would have slept eight men, he said.

"First World War events are very popular," Mr Roberts told the Gazette. "I think there's a lot of interest in the war at the moment with the centenary. Hopefully with the variety of things on offer, and the fact it's not just academic - it's lively and friendly - it will appeal to people."

The free event is to run from 9am to 5pm each day.

Meanwhile, Mr Roberts is busy organising another Great War project, to research the twin towns of Carnforth and Sailly-sur-la-Lys, in northern France during WW1. The aim is to produce information panels, walking tours and a book by the end of 2018, and Heritage Lottery funding is being sought.

For more on the retired teacher's research, visit:

- greatwarnorthwest.wordpress.com - about the North West of England during the Great War

- www.northwesthistory.co.uk - about the research and guiding services Mr Roberts offers to the public.