AN EXHIBITION in Reading Museum has been shortlisted for the Collections Trust national award.

The Legacy of Valour exhibition, is a result of a heritage project undertaken by Reading's Punjabi community.

It celebrates the history of their forefathers who fought alongside allied forces in World War I.

The exhibition has given thousands of visitors the opportunity to glimpse many rare documents and photographs on display for the first time in a century.

The exhibition also highlights the connection of Indian pilots with Reading, where they were trained as Royal Flying Corps combat pilots.

Inderpal Singh Dhanjal, Legacy of Valour Project Leader, said: “It is a great honour to be nominated and then shortlisted for such an important award. It is a recognition of the hard work of volunteers involved in the project and the local Punjabi community who have contributed and supported the project throughout. It also demonstrates how a community and a local museum can form a productive partnership.”

Councillor Paul Gittings, Reading Lead Member for Culture, Sport and Consumer Services, said: "As a council we are very proud to see our museum service receiving this national recognition for its innovative approach to working with local communities. This nomination reflects the continued hard work of staff and volunteers to ensure that Reading residents and visitors benefit from one of the best museum services in the UK.”

The award ceremony will take place on September 22 at the Natural History Museum in London.