WOODEN crosses laid in Burnley to mark 100 years since the beginning of the First World War are being taken up and stored to be displayed again later in the year as part of the continued commemoration.

More than 4,000 crosses, which represent the number of soldiers who died during the conflict, will be safely stored at Towneley Hall.

Simon Goff, head of green spaces and amenities at Burnley Council, said: “The centenary of the First World War is to be marked by a four-year programme of cultural events, exhibitions and vari-ous projects.

“To prolong the life of these crosses, the parks staff will soon take them up and respectfully store them for future events.”

There are still a number of events and exhibitions for people to attend and visit as part of the council’s programme to commemorate the great war.

Towneley Hall hosted a free event yesterday with Andrew MacKay, a member of the Western Front Association who is involved with the website Burnley in the Great War. He will be delivered an illustrated talk entitled A Soldier’s Life.

An exhibition entitled 100 Stories runs at Towneley Hall, until September 4, commemorating Burnley’s involvement in the Great War with a selection of old photographs, letters, war medals and trench art.