A WORLD War Two memorial has been saved from the store cupboard and will go on display for younger generations to appreciate.

The World War II memorial to Blackburn soldiers, was originally sited at the Voith Factory (previously Scapa Dryers) at Witton.

When the factory closed last year staff from Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery were invited to take any records or memorabilia from the building to preserve for the town.

Among the objects was the World War II memorial to the Scapa Dryers employees who served in the armed forces.

Rather than see the memorial go into storage, museum staff felt it should continue to be used by the community.

They approached Witton Park High School and the memorial is due to go on display following a formal unveiling ceremony.

Coun Damian Talbot, executive member for culture and leisure, said: “I am delighted that the memorial will continue to be seen and honoured by the community.

“It is extremely important that we remember those brave men and women who made such huge sacrifices for King and Country."

Those named on the memorial and or their families are being invited to come forward to contribute to research about the memorial and to attend the unveiling ceremony.

Of the fifty-nine men named, six were killed during the war and their names are marked on the memorial with a cross.

One of those names is Lance-Corporal John Jackson, 24, who died at a Casualty Clearing Station on Anzio Beach in Italy on 1 May 1944.

Research by museum staff has revealed that he was fatally wounded in the battle to break out of the Anzio beachhead.

Laura Parfitt, head of History at Witton Park High School, said: "The memorial provides a fantastic opportunity for future generations to be able to explore and investigate the history of Blackburn.

“It will be used to explore the history of our community and to remember those who fought for our freedom."