War heroes from Wymondham will be at the heart of a new exhibit in the town's museum this year.

Wymondham Heritage Museum is launching a community cabinet, a monthly display which will document the lives of those who served during the first world war.

Medals, letters, photographs and other memorabilia will be showcased as part of the project which is supported by a grant from Norfolk Museums.

Pip Woodward, chairman of the museum committee, said the commemorations of the first world war will be a 'huge event'.

'Once a month, a different person would display their artefacts. It will involve the community and bring people in. We have 142 names on the war memorial. A total of 1,100 people from the town served in the war,' he added.

This year, organisers will tell the story of Harry Daniels, who was awarded the Victoria Cross and Abbottsford, a home in Vicar Street which was once an infirmary. Mr Woodward thanked Adrian and Ann Hoare for their tireless hard work and research.

Tony Wright, chairman of Wymondham Heritage Society executive committee, said: 'The museum changes every year and we try and do a lot for the town. We are also involved in conservation issues.

'It is important for people to know about the community in which they live. There is hardly a family in the town which has not been touched by the war in some way.'

The museum, which is supported by a strong team of stewards and volunteers, has been in The Bridewell since 1996.

Situated in a former prison, police station and magistrates' court, the building is home to a wealth of history. When it was excavated, a deck of cards made from a shredded Bible by a female prison was found hidden in a wall and a cell, which was also used as an air raid shelter during the war, is also open for people to explore.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from March to October and is appealing for volunteers. To get involved, email info@wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk or see www.wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk