CLITHEROE Castle will host a rare screening to extremely rare footage of the Battle of the Somme.

The documentary was filmed in the build-up to and first day of the battle, and subsequently viewed by 20million people across the UK desperate for a glimpse of their loved ones.

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On Thursday, June 30, 100 years later, the unique film which features a specially-commissioned score by Laura Rossi, will be screened at the Atrium Café.

The rare screening will be part of a collaboration between Lancashire County Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council and the Imperial War Museum.

It starts at 6pm and entrance is free, but booking is essential, as demand to watch the film is expected to be high.

The Battle of the Somme film gave an unprecedented insight into the realities of trench warfare, controversially including the depiction of dead and wounded soldiers.

It includes footage of the 1st East Lancashire Regiment, 1st Lancashire Fusiliers and 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers.

The film was released on August 21, 1916, and is believed to have received its first Lancashire screening in Lancaster on October 5, 1916.

The film’s importance was recognised in 2005 by its inscription in the UNESCO Memory of the World register, one of the few films and first British documents of any kind to be included.

Ribble Valley Mayor Joyce Holgate said: “The Battle of the Somme had a profound impact on Lancashire people and the loss of life was devastating.

“Many Lancashire people flocked to see the film hoping to catch a glimpse of their loved ones, many of who sadly did not return.

“My father fought at and survived the Somme, and his recollections of life in the trenches were graphic.

“The horrors he witnessed and endured were unspeakable, and he went into battle not knowing that his younger brother, Francis, had been killed at Gallipoli.

“It is no surprise that this unique film is considered one of the most important documentaries ever made and we are honoured to be showing it at Clitheroe Castle as part of our Somme centenary.”

The film, shot between June 25 and July 9 by Geoffrey Malins and J. B. McDowell on hand-cranked cameras stands out for its close-up footage.

Anticipating the desire of the audience to spot their loved ones, the cameramen captured as many faces as possible, often encouraging the men to turn and acknowledge the camera.