A PLAY about East Lancashire heroes has been recognised among the best plays in the UK at a glittering awards ceremony.

The Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre production of the Accrington Pals was named among the winners of the 2013 UK Theatre Awards.

The production, which won best design for Jonathan Fensom and Charles Balfour, brought the moving story of the Accrington Pals to life for a new generation.

It begins on the eve of the First World War as the young men of Accrington hear Kitchener’s call for a new army and become the smallest town in England to raise a Pals Volunteer Brigade. Peter Whelan’s play brought to life the brutal reality of the trenches, which was beyond anything they were prepared for.

And also the toll back home where life was never the same for their mothers, wives, daughters and lovers.

Prior to opening night the cast visited Accrington where they met students from Accrington Academy to get tips on the Accrington accent.

Director James Dacre and his actors had also visited the Pals Memorial made out of Accrington brick at Serre.

Now the company has been honoured by the Theatrical Management Association, who have announced the winners of the only nationwide awards to honour stage achievements.

The Awards at a glamorous ceremony at London’s historic Guildhall were compèred by Musical theatre star Michael Xavier/ Other winners were best new play, Mike Bartlett’s Bull, best musical production, This is my family and best touring production for The Full Monty.

Simon Callow received The Stage Award for outstanding contribution to British theatre.