IT'S the largest housing district in Weymouth and behind every door there's a story.

It has a rich history too, and everyone from the Australian soldiers who camped there to the landlord of the Rock Hotel who pulled pints and the stonemasons who chipped away at the blocks of St Paul's Church have contributed to the development.

It is 125 years since the name Westham was first mooted by town planners and the occasion is to be marked with a celebration on Saturday, April 26 at Conifers School.

More than £5,000 has been secured in Lottery cash to help fund the event which will include music, games, stalls and a community play, with residents telling the story of Westham down the decades.

There are also plans to do an archaeological dig, stage a nostalgia exhibition, and hold competitions to find a Princess of Westham and the person who has lived there the longest.

Resident Chris Edwards came up with the idea to mark the anniversary after realising the estate would this year be the same age as his favourite football team, Spurs.

He is appealing for support and hopes the event will instil some community pride in the area.

Westham was once farmland in Wyke parish and early development consisted of terraces in Abbotsbury Road area. The name 'West Ham' was used in 1883 as more houses and a school were built and the population grew.

Soon after, the foundation stone of St Paul's Church was laid and the area became part of the borough of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.

Thousands of Anzac troops passed through Weymouth during the First World War so camps had to be built and one was at Westham - clues of its existence can be found in street names.

Mr Edwards said: "Westham 125 is part of a move to bring people together and make them feel proud. We want to show people there's more to Westham than a red-brick council estate."

To support Westham 125 contact Mr Edwards on 07976 332418.