An MP has been encouraging residents to come together and discover the world war heritage on their doorstep.

MP for Penrith and the Border, Neil Hudson, has been promoting War Graves Week, an initiative from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

The week started on May 21 and last till May 28, and will encourage local residents to learn more about the stories of those commemorated by CWGC.

Residents of Dr Hudson’s constituency who are keen to learn more about the remarkable stories of the men and woman on the Commonwealth forces that died I the first and second world wars, and who are buried in their community, can visit the CWGC’s website by clicking here, and visit the cemetaries in person.

War Graves Week provides a unique chance for the people of the area to reconnect with their local history.

Hudson said: "I'd encourage all my constituents to embrace War Graves Week.

“It's a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with our local history and learn about the courageous ordinary people from our community who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

"In Penrith Cemetery alone there are Canadian, Australian and Polish servicemen, buried alongside those with distinctively Cumbrian surnames that they fought next to.

“Moreover, there are another 50 locations with CWGC war graves or memorials across Penrith and The Border. 

"Behind every name on a war grave or memorial is a human story waiting to be discovered and War Graves Week is the perfect opportunity to do that."