A YOUNG history buff is passing on his passion to his peers.

Jack Welch, 21, has created a guide for young people designed to whet their appetite for local heritage in and around Dorchester.

Freelance youth consultant Jack, of Weymouth, has created the Generation History project as part of UK charity Fixers, which asks young people from across the UK to make positive change for themselves and those around them.

He said: “I've always been fascinated by history. I want to pass this passion on to other young people who have become distant from history.

“It gives them more employability skills like in PR and social media.”

Jack has used a comic book style for his Generation History booklet.

He said: “The book is designed to allow young people to access materials so they can create their own heritage projects.

“Dorchester in itself is abundant with history.

“It has an interesting Roman and Victorian history. There is also the Ridgeway nearby which has many interesting sites to offer, including a Hidden Chapel Coppice.”

In the booklet Jack suggests a number of ways people can create their own history projects such as creating a geocaching trail and offering advice on how to create a successful heritage project.

“The History Centre in Dorchester is fascinating,” Jack said.

“There are a number of archives there, including people's first hand memories of the First World War.”

A film about the Generation History project was recently shown on ITV regional news.

Jack's love of history also saw him help create a Heritage Lottery-funded project 'Walking in their Shoes', which brought together a group of 15 to 25-year-olds working with Dorset Youth Association to set trails following in the footsteps of a First World War soldier.

He said: “I think any young person getting involvement in a project like this is likely to increase their employability whether they are in education or training or neither.

“It broadens their horizons and gives them a much better understanding of their community and their own background and how their community has been shaped over many years.”

Chris Copson, curator of the Keep Military Museum in Dorchester, appears in the broadcast in support of Jack's campaign.

He said: “At primary level, history is fun. You go to a museum, you make things, you dress up, and it's absolutely fascinating,' Chris said.

“I think the problem is as you go forward to secondary level. It becomes more academic and a bit dry.

“I don't think there are enough young people actively involved in the heritage sector. It seems a bit stuffy and a bit dusty.”

Jack's booklet can be downloaded by visiting the Fixers website at fixers.org.uk and searching for 'Jack Welch'.

He can be contacted on Twitter @MrJW18