The Their Past Your Future education scheme allows youngsters to take part in a variety of activities to remember the events of World War II.

Pupils will travel abroad, visit museums, attend workshops exploring themes of remembrance, and perform.

Councils in Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Hants and Berks have been given grants.

'Traditions and conflicts'

Neil Thompson, county history inspector and adviser for Hampshire LEA, said: "This award has given unprecedented opportunities for a large number of children to deepen their understanding of the impact of the Second World War.

"It has stimulated a variety of imaginative projects, involving the local community, veterans and commemorative visits overseas, as well as using reminiscences to help reconstruct the way peace was celebrated in Hampshire."

Alison Rowe, Big Lottery Fund regional manager for the South East said: "Knowledge of our history enables us to understand our nation's traditions and its conflicts, and teaches children respect and appreciation.

"Their Past Your Future is keeping history alive."

Those benefiting from the award include Hampshire's War and Peace project which will receive �38,411, primary school pupils will be encouraged to document information and research they gather.

Young people in Dorset are to produce the Dorset Story which will be performed at the Royal Albert Hall.

They will also visit Normandy to see many of the sites of special interest in the Manche region using their �16,171 programme grant.