Carlisle United have received a £95,000 grant for a project aimed at promoting and preserving the club’s history.

The Blues have announced that the grant has been made by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

It will support a project that will include a major exhibition, set to open this summer.

That will be supported by a number of activities as well as a lasting archive of club memorabilia.

The project, confirmed in the 50th anniversary year of United’s historic promotion to the First Division, is entitled ‘Be Just And Fear Not’.

It sees United working with Tullie, United’s Community Sports Trust, the University of Cumbria and Cumberland Council.

The Blues say the idea is to help share the club’s history with “new and diverse audiences”.

Nigel Clibbens, United’s chief executive, said: “This is going to be a fantastic project.

“The club is at the heart of the community and the life of so many people over many, many generations.

“It is a very special and important institution and sharing and preserving its history and heritage will be very special.”

According to those behind the project, it will involve school workshops, community wellbeing activities, youth programming and a museum exhibition.

The exhibition at Tullie, set to open in July, will include a range of club memorabilia, much of which has been donated to the Blues in recent times by fans and former players.

“As part of the project, the club will be doing a major review of their on-site archive that will form the basis of the exhibition,” United’s statement added, with photographs, programmes, newspaper cuttings, medals, video recordings and shirts all part of the archive.

“But these items need to be properly catalogued and made accessible to the community for now and for generations to come.”

The exhibition at Tullie will include “content development support” from film and television students at the University of Cumbria. A pop-up version of the exhibition will then tour the area, while a permanent display will be installed at Brunton Park.

Organisers are seeking a project curator for the programme, who will carry out an archive audit, devise a catalogue system, digitise content, arrange appropriate storage materials and “relocate material to a safe and stable environment within the grounds”.

There will be further support from Cumbria Archives and the National Football Museum, while a call for volunteers is also being issued – anyone interested should contact carlisleunitedcollective@outlook.com.

Anna Smalley, head of collections and engagement at Tullie, said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this project – the club is a real institution within the city and the community, and we are excited to be able to help tell their unique story.”

Helen Featherstone, England north director at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to support this project that will work with local people and partners to explore and share Carlisle Football Club’s rich history, preserving the city’s sporting heritage for years to come.

“We know that heritage can play a huge role in bringing people together, creating a sense of pride in local communities, and this project is sure to do just that.”

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and health places, said: “Our area has a rich sporting history and we are delighted to support this showcase of one of our most successful clubs.

“The programme to accompany the exhibition will include something for all ages to enjoy and take part in.”

United’s proposed redevelopment of the East Stand at Brunton Park includes provision for a museum at the stadium.