A DISPLAY dedicated to the history of Witham has been unveiled.

The double-sided information board has been set up in the town's train station and offers passengers a brief rundown of significant events from the past.

The concept forms part of a wider scheme to help keep rural rail lines "thriving" for the benefit of communities.

Witham mayor Clare Lager was given the honour of unveiling the display on Tuesday.

She said: "I’m pleased to unveil Witham station’s new history board. This is a great project which has found a simple and easy way to put people in touch with their local history and give visitors to the area some insight too, helping us all to feel more connected to and proud of the town and its surrounds.”

Information on the board has been put together by historian John Palombi.

The project has been funded by the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, ACORP and train operator Greater Anglia.

Community rail officer Jayne Sumner said: "The boards provide a great link between the rail station and the towns and villages they serve and are full of interesting information, which makes the station a great start to exploring the town.

"The area and the rail lines have such a rich and fascinating history and this is a great way to put people in touch with it the minute they arrive by train."

Similar displays have been put up at eight other stations in Essex, including Bures, Southminster and Harwich Town.