MEMBERS of Cotswold District Council will each be given £750 to fund activities marking the centenary of the end of the First World War.

At Tuesday's meeting of the council, members voted unanimously in favour of the proposal by the council's cabinet to create the allowance.

Applying for funding will be very simple and will not differ much from the current process which enables councillors to allocate funding for youth projects.

Council leader Cllr Lynden Stowe said: "We provided similar funding to councillors in 2014 so that they could help individuals and groups in their wards to mark the centenary of the start of the war.

"As a result, people of all ages across the district arranged and took part in a wonderful range of events, including local exhibitions, renovation of war memorials, and the provision of commemorative plaques and publications.

"In particular, I was struck by the willingness of young people to get involved and learn about the ‘lost generation’ that contributed so much to the safety and well-being of this country.

“This time around, I believe that there is scope to deepen this bond with the past as we honour those who lost their lives or distinguished themselves in battle.

"I am sure that many groups will be keen to come forward and bid for some financial help with projects, and it’s also possible that the funding might be used to stimulate interest and attract financial backing from other sources.”