A COMMUNITY initiative to provide wider access to the history of a New Forest village has been boosted by a national grant.

Milford-on-Sea Historical Record Society's (MOSHRS) Bringing History Home project is set to make more than 100 years of local records readily accessible to the residents of Milford-on-Sea as well as for those around the world who have connections with the area.

The initiative is made possible through money raised by National Lottery players, together with contributions from the Parish Council and from MOSHRS itself.

A Heritage Lottery Fund grant to the sum of £8,700 has provided vital financial backing for the project.

The society plan to use presentations and displays to familiarise the community with online access to the catalogue through a new website.

The website will also provide downloadable guides for locally important historical buildings and trails.

Chris Hobby, chairman of MOSHRS, said: “We are delighted to have received the support of National Lottery players as well as our Parish Council. We look forward to Bringing History Home to all our community.”

In 2019, Milford-on-Sea will mark the bi-centenary of the death of the villages most famous resident, Admiral the Honourable Sir William Cornwallis, who was commander-in-chief the Channel Fleet during the critical months leading up to the Battle of Trafalgar.

The records provide insights into the circumstances of Milford at that time in Britain's history. The society hope making the records more accessible to the community will enhance the understanding of the area's heritage.

Anyone interested in being part of the initiative, which is starting in early 2018, should contact Chris Sanders at chris@moshrs.org.uk.