Museum launches a hunt for groups to join D-Day research projectÂ

The D-Day Story is offering a helping hand to budding historians looking to find out more about the area's D-Day links.

Any group based within 30 miles of Portsmouth can apply.

A grant given to the museum  by the Heritage Lottery Fund will help pay for research costs.

Projects can be presented in a range of ways, from traditions booklets to a website or even a staged event.

The appeal comes as Portsmouth launches its bid to become the national focus of next year's 75th anniversary of D-Day.

A joint effort by Portsmouth City Council and The News is demanding Whitehall stumps up cash to pay for a major commemoration on Southsea's Common.

Felicity Wood, public participation officer at the museum, said: '˜We want to hear from all kinds of community groups, even if they've not carried out history research before.

'˜It's a great opportunity for your group to receive funding and expertise from The D-Day Story and be part of the wider commemorative events connected to the 75th anniversary of D-Day.'

The deadline for applications is October 31. For more, see theddaystory.com