Pauline Latham OBE MP (Mid Derbyshire) has celebrated the fact that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has launched a programme of Centenary Internships funded from LIBOR fines, and backed by the Government as part of its commemoration of the centenary of First World War.
Under the scheme 18-25 year olds will be trained to work as paid guides in some of the Commission's most iconic sites, including Tyne Cot in Belgium, where a number of UK commemorative events will be held next year to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele.
After a training and induction period, the young people will work for four months with the CWGC, initially at Tyne Cot, extending to Thiepval on the Somme, where they will guide and inform visitors.
Mrs Latham said: “I am delighted that the Government is backing this extremely worthwhile scheme, which will hopefully bring 40 interns to the Western Front. The internships will help give young people valuable skills and income, and also prove a fantastic way to commemorate the millions who lost their lives during the conflict.
I encourage those who wish to put themselves forward to apply and also ask that, even if you are not interested, you tell others who might be about the scheme”.
Further details are on the CWGC website (www.cwgc.org) and applicants can email [email protected].