MORE than 150,000 people have engaged with a cherished regimental collection over the last four years thanks to a series of special events and exhibitions.

From a celebration of military music to commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and the end of the First World War, touring exhibitions have brought artefacts and documents from Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collection to community venues across the North-East.

With plans to bring the entire collection together for the first time in 20 years at the proposed new history centre at Mount Oswald near Durham, it is hoped the collection will continue to enrich and enlighten for generations to come.

Durham County Council cares for The DLI Collection on behalf of the DLI Trustees. Since the 1990s, the collection’s archives – including letters, diaries and photographs – have been looked after by Durham County Record Office. Objects from the collection are at Sevenhills, the DLI Research and Study Centre in Spennymoor, while the medals are stored at Palace Green Library and are available to view on request.

Cllr Joy Allen, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, said: “The proposed new history centre at Mount Oswald would mark a new and exciting chapter in the DLI’s story, bringing together the collection and archive in a single location for the first time since the 1990s.

“As well as continuing our touring exhibitions, the centre will offer a dedicated space for an exciting programme of exhibitions, activities and events for people of all ages.”

For more information about the DLI Collection visit durham.gov.uk/dlicollection and durhamrecordoffice.org.uk.