WAR historians with an eye for detail are to examine the finer details of the city's memorials.

Residents who have always wondered why the poignant structure in their park looks like it does, or why it even came to be there in the first place, are encouraged to delve deeper into its past.

It is hoped the York Archaelogical Trust's project will lead those with an interest in their community to ask questions about the memorials, record their unique features and find out what they stand for 100 years on from the outbreak of the First World War.

The project is being led by Dr Jon Kenny, YAT's community archaeologist.

He said: "We really want to try and inspire people to get involved with this to try and put a record together of other memorials.

"We have churches and parks where people lay wreaths but what we would really like to do is get people to look around memorial parks and memorial halls, like in Haxby.

"We would like people to record where they are and they land around them, and look closely at the memorials and see what symbols and designs are on carved into them."

Part of the project will be the making of a film which will record the journey of exploration as well as gather interviews exploring the relationship residents have with relationships.

While the project is not about the fallen soldiers remembered by the monuments, statues or plaques, Dr Kenny believes the research will dig up more about their lives.

He added: "It will link back to families because people will say 'this is important to me' because they know their grandfather is on there or I know my grandfather died but isn't on there.

"Hopefully people will go and find the little memorials in their own back yard."

Anyone who would like to get involved with this should contact Dr Kenny at jkenny@yorkat.co.uk

There will be an opportunity to find out more during a presentation from Dr Kenny and the project team at DIG, St Saviourgate, York, on 22nd October, from 6pm to 8pm.