FAMILIES are being urged to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme by bringing in First World War memorabilia to the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.

The battle was the British Army's major offensive on the Western Front in 1916 and lasted from July 1 to November 18, a total of 141 days.

On July 1, the first day of the battle, there were 57,470 casualties, including 19,240 dead.

To coincide with the centenary, the Woodstock museum is appealing for families to bring in First World War photographs, letters, diaries and objects so they can tell their stories at the museum on Saturday, September 17 between 10am and 4.30pm.

Experts from the museum, the Western Front Association and other organisations will be available to talk to visitors about the significance of their memorabilia and to help them find out more.

Museum director Ursula Corcoran said: "The centenary of the Somme has been very much at the forefront of people's minds and that has prompted us to make that appeal.

"But it's not just families with connections to the battle we would like to broaden it out and hear from all families with connections to the First World War.

"Since we first opened in 2014 lots of families have brought in letters, diaries and photos.

"When photos are brought in and the names of soldiers are featured that's hugely beneficial to our volunteers.

"People are over the moon when they get to see photos of soldiers from their family for the first time - they may never have seen that image before so that can be quite an emotional moment.

"We have a research panel of eight volunteers and when people bring in items of memorabilia they could be interviewed and that could form the basis of a mini-exhibition."

There will also be displays and activities for children in the event supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

One of the museum volunteers who is looking forward to the exhibition is Michael Cross.

He has been researching the history of his namesake and distant relation Samuel Cross, a Driver from the Royal Marine Artillery, who brought back an accordion from Amiens in France.

Visitors will also be able to step inside the museum's Great War replica trench.

Ms Corcoran said: "On the day we will also be opening a new exhibition, entitled Beyond the Western Front, which we have worked on with students from Oxford Brookes University.

"That will look at the campaigns in the First World War in Mesopotamia and Salonika.

"Beyond the Western Front will remain at the museum for a few weeks before it goes out on tour."

On July 1, to commemorate the centenary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, a memorial service and two-minute silence was held at Oxford Town Hall.

For further information visit sofo.org.uk