An exhibition about the development of Sopwell’s history website was opened last week.

Mayor of St Albans City and District Geoff Harrison joined Sopwell Residents’ Association members to celebrate the opening of the exhibition, which runs until August 31 at the Museum of St Albans.

The free exhibition explains how the association built the newly-launched Sopwell Memories website to showcase the history and memories of residents about the area.

The residents’ association has spent years researching local history and published the book Sopwell: a history and collection of memories in May 2012.

Over the last 18 months, the members have also been developing the website www.sopwellmemories.org.uk with the support of funding from the National Lottery.

Councillor Geoff Harrison said: "Sopwell Residents’ Association can be very proud of the efforts of its members in researching Sopwell’s history and gathering these irreplaceable memories about the area.

"The results mean that anyone can find out about the history of the area, either through the interactive website or by reading the book."

Sandy Norman, Sopwell Memories’ project manager, said: "Our aim was to capture memories of living in Sopwell as it changed from a rural farming community to a culturally diverse suburb of St Albans.

"It has been really enlightening to talk to past and present residents about their memories. These memories would be lost to future generations if we had not decided to preserve and celebrate them.

"Their stories and photographs will be an invaluable resource for education institutions and social historians as well as the general public."