The Tank Museum at Bovington has secured £100,000 of funding to drive forward a project to mark an important wartime anniversary.

The money from the government and Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund will be used as part of the Tank 100 project, designed to re-invigorate the museum’s First World War displays in time for next year’s centenary of the first tank battle.

The project will see the reinterpretation of areas displaying the museum’s unrivalled collection of First World War tanks.

At present, the vehicles are the stars alone, the new displays will illustrate the multi-faceted and inspiring story of the men who crewed these tanks. In the new display visitors will be presented with a variety of interpretive media – from stand-alone dioramas to showcases displaying items and documentation.

Tank Museum Curator David Willey said: "The stories and items that the museum holds on these pioneers of tank warfare are unique, moving and often very personal.

"By putting these items in contact alongside the tanks we will be able to show our visitors more of what the men and their families went through and achieved – surrounded by the tanks they served in."

The museum’s popular Trench experience will also be refreshed with new sights, smells and sounds. When completed, the museum’s First World War display will create a fitting environment to mark a nationally significant anniversary - the first use of tanks at the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The Government is committed to supporting the arts and making sure our marvellous museums and inspiring galleries continue to be accessible to all. Thanks to the generosity of the Wolfson Foundation our cultural destinations in communities across the country are going from strength to strength and remain much loved places to visit and explore.”

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation said, "This partnership between the Wolfson Foundation and DCMS is an exemplar of how a charity and government can work together. We are delighted to be funding so many wonderful projects across the length and breadth of the country. The country's museums and galleries continue to be an inspiration."