PLANS are in place to mark next year's centenary of the start of the First World War.

Members of Nailsworth Comrades Club are asking families in the area to donate any war memorabilia for an exhibition to mark 100 years since the start of the war.

Richard Llewellyn, the treasurer of the club, said: "A lot of people aren’t even aware that the comrades club was set up for soldiers who fought in the First World War like my great uncle George Watts.

"I am donating a picture of George from his time serving in France which was sent to my grandmother’s house in Cheltenham.

"It used to be the practice that after a big battle soldiers would send just a photo of themselves back home to let their families know they were still alive.

"There would be no message on the back for security purposes families would just get the photo."

Richard is appealing for anyone who may know the identity of the other soldier in the picture to get in touch with him.

"We are hoping this exhibition will remind everyone about the rich war history we have in Nailsworth," he said.

The club, which has now been open almost 100 years, has had some financial problems recently and there have been rumours circulating that it is going to close.

"We are definitely not closing any time soon," said Richard.

Currently the club is offering free use of the function room to anyone who books it before the end of September.

Anyone wanting to donate any memorabilia to the exhibition should call Richard on 01453 833056.