WORK has started on the enhancement of a memorial garden honouring the hundreds of East Lancashire soldiers who lost their lives in the 1916 Battle of the Somme.

The £260,000 project to revitalise the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden in the town centre's Church Street is expected to be completed by April.

It is being paid for with a grant from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The layout will be rejigged, and trees and plants will be replaced.

Besides the landscaping and structural improvements, plans are under way for a new sculpture in the seating area by the Accrington Pals Memorial adding an artistic dimension.

The scheme aims to create a greener, more inviting space that honours the area's rich heritage while fostering communal well-being.

The Accrington Pals battalion had four 250-strong companies including not only men from Accrington but volunteers from other nearby East Lancashire towns such as Burnley, Blackburn, and Chorley.

On the first day of the Battle of the Somme on July 1 916, 585 of its men became casualties with 235 killed and 350 wounded in about half an hour.

Cllr Mohammed Younis, Hyndburn Council's Levelling Up boss, said: “The project focuses on uplifting the pals memorial garden into a welcoming public place for relaxation and reflection.

"Central to Accrington's town centre, the garden stands as a crucial open space, offering a peaceful haven amidst urban life.

"I’m really excited about this project, which will provide a complete overhaul of the garden's layout, prioritising both tree planting and greening and, at the same time, enhancing the existing memorial’s setting.”

Cllr Danny Cassidy, the borough's armed forces champion, said: “The Pals memorial, a central feature of the garden, will remain untouched, which I know is important to our local armed forces and veteran community.

"This area provides significant importance to both the council and residents, hosting services each year to commemorate Armistice Day, The Battle of the Somme and many others.

"I’m looking forward to completion of this project.”