A FORMER army officer from Winchester has visited the French battlefields to trace the steps of relatives who fell in the First World War.

Tony Pryor has used a huge library of books and war documents to learn about his two great uncles, as well as his grandfather, who survived battles in the Somme and Passechendaele.

The former Territorial Officer has traced his grandfather's movements to within a few yards of his station on July 1, 1916, while his great-uncles are honoured on Memorials to the Missing.

Now the war centenary has spurred him to visit in person - and organise trips for others.

Mr Pryor said: “I have a huge library of books and original documents - maps, war diaries, charts - which I would be happy to lend to anyone wanting to trace their relatives.”

After taking two friends to France to trace their family recently, Mr Pryor is hoping to organise more journeys to La Boiselle, the Thiepval Memorial, Ypres, Hill 60, Tyne Cot cemetery and Vimy Ridge.

“Any profits would go to Home-Start Winchester, a family support charity close to my heart,” Mr Pryor added.

Anyone interested can email tony_cecile@yahoo.co.uk or call 07774 948857.