THE people of Grasmere are celebrating the village's past, present and future with an exhibition that has brought together residents young and old.

The idea for the exhibition was borne two years ago and the Grasmere Millennium Historical Exhibition is the culmination of work and contributions from the whole village.

People have donated photographs, objects and also put down their memories of times gone by on audio tapes for visitors to the exhibition to listen to while looking at the 150 pictures on display.

Vivienne Rees, chairman of the Grasmere Millennium Historical Group, said: "It is wonderful how the whole village has united to make this a success.

Having fun working on this project has brought everyone together just as we dreamt it would two years ago."

Funding for the exhibition has come from Age Concern England from its Millennium Commission Award funded by the National Lottery.

They awarded £10,000 for the exhibition.

Housed in Grasmere Hall, the exhibition features drawings and models made by the children at Grasmere School, depicting village life in years to come.

A model made by the village's schoolchildren, showing ways of possible alternative technology to sustain the village, will be displayed in the Millennium Dome after the Grasmere exhibition.

The main hall is packed with photographs from the past along with objects such as winter hobnail boots, an 1895 lonsdale belt, a mole trap and a pint measure used for customers to fill their jugs when milk was taken round.

The five strong Grasmere Historical Group brought together Vivienne Rees, Geoff Lancaster, Malcolm Reekie, Joyce Withers and Carrie Taylor.

The exhibition will run until October 15 and is open 10am-5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 10am-8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.