A GROUP of young people from Bradford have visited the House of Commons for a parliamentary reception celebrating the contribution of communities in marking the centenary of the First World War.

New Focus, a group of 16 to 25-year-olds based at the Impression Gallery in City Park, were one of only a dozen groups selected from more than 2,200 projects around the country to attend the special event.

The event was organised by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and New Focus were invited to showcase their contribution to marking 100 years since the end of the Great War.

The Fund awarded New Focus £34,400 to run a project titled ‘No Man’s Land: Young People Uncover Women’s Viewpoints on the First World War’ over the past year.

The group worked in partnership with Impressions Gallery, The Peace Museum, the University of Leeds, and the Imperial War Museum, investigating photographs made by women who worked as nurses, ambulance drivers, official photographers and peace campaigners during the 1914-1918 conflict.

Following the research, New Focus created an innovative educational publication for other young people, bringing to life the First World War through the eyes of women.

The reception, on Wednesday, October 31, was hosted by Dr Andrew Murrison MP, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for the Centenary of the Great War, on behalf of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Chief executive of HLF, Ros Kerslake, made a speech about difference the funding has made and reflected upon the First World War and how the UK has marked it. All Members of Parliament and Peers were also invited.

Anne McNeill, director of Impressions Gallery, said: “It’s a huge honour for New Focus be selected to showcase No Man’s Land at this prestigious event.

“It reflects the positive impact the project has had on young people, schools and communities in Bradford and beyond”.

The New Focus group was set up by Impressions Gallery in 2012, to ensure young people’s voices are hear.

It gives 16 to 25-year-olds the opportunity to get involved in and make decisions on specific projects, and develop key skills for their future careers.

By working closely with Impressions Gallery and Bradford’s various diverse communities, the group allows different groups to have their voices heard and be represented.

Impressions Gallery, founded in 1972 and based in the middle of Bradford city centre in City Park, it was one of the first specialist photographic galleries in Europe.

It collaborates with photographers and organisations locally, nationally and internationally to commission, exhibit and publish photography on a number of different topics.

It also does a lot of work in the local community to make photography accessible for all, with its work funded and supported by Bradford Council and Arts Council England.