A NEW world war one exhibition has opened at Bodelwyddan Castle and Park.

The exhibition, which officially opened on Saturday, May 5, spans over three galleries on the second floor and contains original artefacts.

Titled From Civilian to Combatant, the display is in commemoration of the men and women of all nations whose lives were irrevocably changed following the events of 1914.

Lorraine Lister, marketing officer at Bodelwyddan Castle and Trust, said: "I may be slightly biased as it is my exhibition, but it has the wow factor.

"It starts with items in the 'civilian' guise - a typewriter used in an office, a telephone etc, and then moves to their military equivalent.

"The first dramatic image is of Thomas Bowen in 1911 - my great grandfather and the second is of the same man in 1915, after one year of the war.

"Only four years separate the images, however, he looks decades older. Visitors responses to 'how old do you think it may be?' have ranged from late 40s to early 60s. He is 30."

The exhibition also features original British, German and French artefacts, uniform items and relics. Many have not been on public display previously.

Lorraine added: "We also have an original voluntary aid detachment nurse's uniform on display and room three contains personal stories such as Aldwyth and Vernon Williams, a brother and sister. The brother completed his officer training at Kinmel Camp and survived the war, whilst she died just short of the Armistice from Spanish Flu.

"Children can also put on a tunic and cap - or pickelhaube - and have their photograph taken, just as the men who were going 'to the front' did one 100 years ago."

The exhibition has been made possible due to support from the historic site's trench team. Artefacts are from a private collection, primary from Jerry Bone. Others have come from Lorraine's personal collection and from author, Darryl Porrino.

The exhibition will remain open throughout the summer and autumn. Telephone 01745 584060 for further information. World war one workshops are also available to schools.