RELATIVES of East Lancashire's fallen war heroes are being given the chance to pay their respects to their loved ones.
The Queen's Lancashire Regiment Association (QLRA) is preparing for a visit to the battlefields and war cemeteries of the Somme in France next month.
They have agreed to place a poppy-cross on the graves of East Lancashire soldiers who perished during the conflict. Almost 600 from the 11th Battalion, including many from Accrington, died in a battle on July 1, 1916, and are buried at a cemetery in Serre, 30 miles from Blackburn's twin town Peronne. During the visit the association will also lay a wreath on behalf of the Accrington Pals, a group of veterans who fought during the Somme.
Forty members of the QLRA will set off on the four-day trip to Peronne on September 22. They will also meet the town's civic leaders and visit the famous Blackburn bridge, rebuilt with donations from Blackburn people following its destruction in World War One.
Alfred Wright, entertainment and events officer for the association, said: "We want to strengthen the bond with Peronne. The French have been very good and have tended the war cemeteries over the years.
"We will be happy to lay a poppy-cross, free of charge, for any relatives of dead East Lancashire soldiers."
People can write to Alfred Wright, c/o Somme Barracks, Moss Street, Blackburn.
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