A WORCESTERSHIRE MP is calling for people to claim cash towards staging events to remember the First World War - after revealing his father's role in the conflict.

Sir Peter Luff wants people across the county to get involved in the Heritage Lottery Fund's £5 million kitty to fund commemorative events between now and 2019.

His late father Tom took part in the war, which ran from 1914 to 1918, fighting in both Palestine and Gallipoli, Turkey, as the conflict took its toll.

Tom joined the army in 1912 entering via the Berkshire Yeomanry, and moved to the Imperial Camel Corps before finishing at the Worcestershire Yeomanry.

He was demobbed in December 1919 and died in 1963.

The MP, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, says he wants his father's efforts and those of his army colleagues to stay alive by communities helping mark the 100-year anniversary.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is dishing out at least £1 million a year up to 2019 to community groups to explore, share and conserve their First World War heritage.

The amounts on offer go from £3,000 to £10,000 and can go towards research, creating an archive, exhibitions, trails, creative material, smartphone apps or anything else aimed at spreading knowledge.

Mr Luff said: "For me, as for so many, this is a very personal anniversary or series of anniversaries.

"My own father fought in the First World War, at Gallipoli and in Palestine, so I’m delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is making this money available to local communities to keep memories alive.

"Like many areas across the UK, the impact of the First World War on the people of Worcestershire was extensive.

"For those who want to find out more about its legacy or who wish to mark the centenary I urge them to get in touch with fund."

Jenny Abramsky, chair of Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund’s First World War: then and now programme will enable communities to explore the continuing legacy of this war and help young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world."

For more details on making a bid visit www.hlf.org.uk/ThenAndNow.