Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan is urging community societies and history groups to apply for a slice of £4m Lottery funding for First World War projects.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced new National Lottery money to help communities across the UK mark the centenary of the war and the MP Cheryl Gillan is keen for her constituents to get involved.

She said: “The projects and stories that have already been shared as part of the First World War Centenary have been an inspiration.

“It’s so important that we remember the impact of this war one hundred years on. There is still time to apply for National Lottery money and I would urge anyone in Chesham and Amersham with an idea for their own project to get in touch with the Heritage Lottery Fund.”

Following the success of its community grants programme First World War: then and now, HLF has made an additional £4million available in 2015/16 for communities looking to explore, conserve and share local heritage of the conflict.

Grants are available between £3,000 to £10,000.

Sir Peter Luff, chairman of the HLF, said: “The demand for National Lottery funding for First World War projects has been phenomenal, so much so we’ve decided to make extra money available.

“This will mean everyone, in particular more young people, can explore the momentous events of a war that shaped our nation, Europe and the world."

Sir Peter said that with the centenary of the devastating Battle of the Somme next year, groups may need to apply now for cash to explore the history of one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

The money was announced last week at a House of Commons reception that showcased just a handful of over 1,000 First World War projects taking place across the UK, after more than £70million of investment from HLF.