HISTORY buffs can get a sneak preview of Padiham Archives’ annual exhibition as it opens as part of the town’s new festival.

Hundreds of items from the town’s history dating back 100 years are on display for visitors to come and admire until Friday.

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Archivist Ann Clark, a retired teacher, along with her husband, decided to collect memorabilia of their home town.

She said: “One of our first donations was a massive collection from an amateur photographer who, sadly, was too old to take photographs anymore.

“We had a look through and thought they were amazing. This is how it all started.”

Many interesting artefacts have been picked up over the years, including a plaque and plate commemorating the loss of lives from the Britannia Inn’s Wanderers Football Team, who died in a plane crash in1970.

Others include a wallpaper printing block, a gramophone and a typewriter.

As the collection grew in popularity, it was decided to hold the Padiham Archives annual exhibition in the Town Hall ballroom from 2005.

Mrs Clark said: “We e drew in crowds of around 500 people last year.

“The most unique artefact is definitely the Water Clock, which is powered by a water wheel. It’s rather funny. We have to water the clock as well as the plants.”

Kathleen Armfield, a volunteer who has worked at the archive since it started said: “I volunteer here because I love history and have an interest in the town’s past.”

Ann’s husband, Padiham councillor Bob Clark, said he was pleased with how the project has grown.

He said: “It brings all the age groups in the community together. eople young and old can come and admire their town’s past and enjoy the exhibition.”

The Archives will be open as part of ‘My Town, My Space’, a new Summer Festival supported by a grant from the National Lottery, Awards for All and Big Lottery Fund, which runs until August 16.

The annual exhibition will be open for the weekend in the Town Hall ballroom from Saturday, September 26 from 10am until 4pm.

Admission is £2.