THE Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum has won a £120,000 grant in time to help mark the First World War centenary.

It came from Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Scheme, supported by Oxfordshire County Council.

Work on the two-storey building, in the grounds of Woodstock’s Oxfordshire Museum, began in September and the £3m project is due to open next spring.

Exhibits will come from the Oxfordshire Yeomanry and the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.

Galleries include espionage-themed Secret Wars while Blood and War will aim to describe life on the frontline.

The museum will also welcome researchers and provide space for displays including ones by local artists.

Chairman Ian Inshaw said: “I am pleased we are able to work with the covenant grant scheme in partnership with the county council to bring forward plans to emphasise the importance of the military presence in the county.”

Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, of the county council, looked forward to the money being used to let local people learn more about the rich military history of the county.