TOTTINGTON District Civic Society is a step closer to preserving another piece of the village's history.

For the past few years, the society has been campaigning to have the foundation stone of Tottington's first school restored.

The stone dates back to 1714 and was placed in the grounds of St Anne's Church, the site of the village's school.

But when building work started on the new school in Laurel Street in 1950, the stone was placed in the grounds of Tottington Library.

Over the years the stone has deteriorated, and the society is now seeking funding to have the stone expertly examined by a stonemason with a view to having it restored.

The stone is inscribed with the names of the people who helped pay towards the cost of the school and in particular the wages of the headteacher at the time.

Mr Jack Kenneford, chairman of the society, said: "There were plans to use the stone in the new church hall building, but the stone is in such a poor state and the new building is still a way off. Unless work is done on it, the stone will have deteriorated even more. The stone could be placed in a public building."

"We are in touch with Bury Council and Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Area Board to try and get funding and advice on what can be done to the stone."

Mr Kenneford added: "It is important for us to preserve pieces like this. It is a historical artefact and worth keeping, given the amount of development that has happened in the village."