Twickenham MP Tania Mathias is urging people to apply for a £4m grant to explore the impact of war, a project close to her heart.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced new National Lottery money to help communities mark the centenary of the First World War.

Dr Mathias, whose grandfather Freddie Mathias received the Military Cross in 1918 for his exploits flying over enemy lines in France and Belgium, wants Twickenham folk to apply for the funding.

She said: "The projects and stories that have already been shared as part of the First World War centenary have been an inspiration.

"It's so important that we remember the impact of this war one hundred years on. "There is still time to apply for National Lottery money and I would urge anyone in Twickenham with an idea for their own project to get in touch with the Heritage Lottery Fund."

Grants between £3,000 to £10,000 are available after the £4m was made available following the success of the First World War community grants programme last year.

It is hoped the new money will inspire projects based around the Battle of the Somme, which commemorates its centenary next year.

Sir Peter Luff, the HLF chairman, said: "The demand for funding for First World War projects has been phenomenal, so much so we’ve decided to make extra money available.

"This will mean everyone, in particular more young people, can explore the momentous events of a war that shaped our nation, Europe and the world.

"Next year marks the centenary of the Battle of Somme and if groups want support for projects in 2016, they need to start thinking about applying now."

To find out how to apply for the grant or to learn more about the grant, visit hlf.org.uk.