Members of a local history group which is disbanding after 13 years are hoping the younger generation will pick up the baton of telling tales from the village’s past.

The Melbourn History Group is set to meet for the final time in March.

Colin Limming, chairman of the group, said: “We are all of a certain age, so we have decided to stop.

“It has been a wonderful time working together, with very few arguments. I think we have achieved some remarkable targets in recording the village’s history, but it is perhaps time for younger and fresher minds.”

The group has been meeting since 2001, and in that time has published four books on various aspects of the village’s past. The Millennium Book, A Glimpse into Melbourn’s Past, Pictorial Melbourn and, most recently, A Guide to the Parish Church have all proved popular.

Mr Limming said: “These books have won awards and every household has, or should have, a copy of The Millenium Book. It was a condition of the Heritage Lottery Grant that funded the book that every house must have a free copy and every newcomer should also receive one.”

The group has also proved popular with those researching family history. Mr Limming said: “Looking at your family tree has become a very popular fad in recent years, and we have been able to help a lot of families from the village.

“This year, as a final task, the group will be working on an exhibition of World War One memories of the village during the conflict. It is hoped to mount such an exhibition in the new Melbourn Hub. The village archives are already stored there in a fireproof cabinet.”

For details of the group, its final meeting or the World War One memories project, contact Mr Limming on 01763 260072.