THIS weekend is the last chance to visit the acclaimed Soldiers’ Journey exhibition at SeaCity Museum.

The exhibition, which has been running since October, is due to close on Sunday and showcases Hampshire’s critical contribution to the First World War.

Soldiers’ Journey at SeaCity Museum features many unique and quirky exhibits, including a Victoria Cross medal that was presented to Southampton-born Daniel Beak, a recreated dock scene to bring the wartime dockside to life and a ship’s bell from the Mauretania, an ocean liner that served as a troop ship and hospital ship during the war.

Visitors to the exhibition will even get the chance to see how horses were loaded onto ships and view an enormous mural which weaves a story around the impact of the war on people’s lives in Hampshire.

The mural was created by illustrator Esther Coombs especially for Soldiers’ Journey and covers 65 feet of the gallery wall.

The exhibition, which is funded by Arts Council England, also features extensive audio recordings of people who lived in the city during the war as well as video footage.

Janet Owen, chief executive of Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “The Soldiers’ Journey exhibition has shown a wonderful side of Hampshire’s rich history over the last few months and I urge anyone who hasn’t visited to do so.

“We’ve received some fantastic feedback from visitors and staff alike, who have been moved by the stories and have relished the opportunity to learn more about Southampton during wartime.”

The major exhibition is the latest for SeaCity Museum, which is also home to Southampton’s Titanic Story and Gateway to the World permanent exhibitions.

The museum, which opened in 2012, has been instrumental in reconnecting visitors to Southampton’s important history.

Councillor Stephen Barnes-Andrews, Cabinet member for resources and leisure, Southampton City Council, said: “Soldiers’ Journey is a fascinating exhibition at SeaCity Museum which brings a truly local perspective to a global conflict that affected millions.

As this is the last chance to see the show I urge people to discover more about our crucial local contribution to the First World War and to discover the stories of the soldiers who came through the port of Southampton, so many of whom did not return.”

Southampton was instrumental during First World War as the main port of military embarkation.

Over eight million troops departed from the city between 1914-1918 and Hampshire became a gateway for soldiers, refugees and prisoners of war.