HAMPSHIRE County Council (HCC) LIBRARIES and heritage venues run by Hampshire County Council will host public events, talks and exhibitions ahead of the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Events include a county-wide writing competition, run by Hampshire Library Service, which is inviting poems, prose or short stories of exactly 100 words on one of four topics to be submitted across three categories – primary school pupils, secondary school pupils, and sixth-form students and adults. Entry forms are available from Hampshire libraries.

Residents are also being encouraged to paint, knit, fold or sew their own poppy and take it along to their local library to form part of a community poppy installation.

The poppy installations will be on display until November 11.

Seán Woodward, the county council’s executive member for recreation and heritage, said: “As the 100-year anniversary of the end of the First World War draws nearer, we are proud to host a variety of fascinating and interactive events to commemorate this important milestone.

“The events, performances, exhibitions, workshops and events being held at Hampshire County Council venues are bringing to life the historical connections each community had to the First World War.

"Through theatre, photography, art, exhibitions and more, people of all ages will get a sense of what life was like, and the sacrifices made on the battlefield and at home, during that time.”

For details of events and activities on offer, visit hants.gov.uk/firstworldwar.