A GWENT MP is encouraging young people to take advantage of an opportunity to work as guides at memorial sites of First World War battlefields in France and Belgium.

As part of events marking the centenary of the conflict, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has set up a scheme training young people, aged between 18 and 25, to work as paid guides as sites such as Thiepval on the Somme and the Tyne Cot Cemetery near Ypres.

Monmouth MP David Davies has encouraged young people from his constituency to sign up for the scheme, which has been funded by a £6000,000 government grant.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people of all backgrounds with a passion for history to learn more and help others gain a real insight into the workings of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission,” he said.

“Participation will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on successful applicants, who will be right at the heart of UK and Commonwealth commemorations throughout 2017 and 2018.”

For more information visit blog.cwgc.org/interns2017.