Documentary on Suffolk's link with Women's Land Army to be shown in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds

A documentary looking at Suffolk's connection with the Women's Land Army is set to be shown in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds in the coming weeks.

The documentary titled 'The Land Girls and Horses of Suffolk' has been created by Suffolk-based videographer, Holly Brega, who became inspired to make the documentary after discovering her grandmother was a Suffolk land girl.

The film looks at the women and horses, particularly Suffolk Punch horses, that worked the land in World War II as part of the Women's Land Army.

Parts of the documentary were filmed across the county, including open farmland and local museums.

Holly said: "This documentary film is important because the part these amazing women and horses played in the Second World War needs to never be forgotten and I want to inspire the next generation to develop an interest in these subjects which go hand in hand but are not often taught at school or seen on TV so I feel it is my duty as a story teller to share."

The film also features local historian, Nicky Reynolds, who has dedicated more than 25 years of research to the Women's Land Army, and Nigel Oakley, an expert on Suffolk Punch horses.

While making the film, Holly contacted the Suffolk Archives team, who had been working on the Soil Sisters project which also looks at the women who served.

Soil Sisters is a Sharing Suffolk Stories project - part of a countywide programme of activities.

Cllr Andrew Reid, cabinet member for heritage at Suffolk County Council, said: "Soil Sisters, and all of the Sharing Suffolk Stories projects, enable local people to learn more about where they live and share this research.

"It encourages people to delve into our archives and uncover the unique stories of the people, places and events in Suffolk.

"This documentary is a fantastic way to tell just some of these stories, and for the history of Suffolk Land Girls to live on."

A launch event for the film at the Hold in Ipswich included a display of original Land Army uniforms, documents and photographs supplied by Nicky Reynolds.

Bury St Edmunds Guildhall is also set to hold a launch event for the film on Saturday March 26.

The documentary film will also be made available online later in the year.

To book tickets for the Guildhall event, see here.