YOUNG and old have turned out in force to pay tribute to the local men who lost their lives in bloodiest battle in the history of the British army.

A major month-long exhibition has opened at Accrington Town Hall to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the part played in the Battle of the Somme by the 11th East Lancashire Battalion - better known as the Accrington Pals. Youngsters from Benjamin Hargreaves School paid their respects by organising a special remembrance service at St Paul's Church in Accrington - attended by Hyndburn's mayor and mayoress, councillor Mirza Yousaf and his daughter Shaheen Musaret as well as a representative from the Royal British Legion.

They have also researched individual members of the battalion which virtually wiped out on July 1, 1916, and their work has formed part of the town's exhibition which includes a mock-up of a First World War trench and photographs.

School governor Enid Briggs said: " The children did extremely well with the exhibition and gave a very moving service. My husband's uncle, Walter Briggs, was an Accrington Pal and lost his life when he was just 19."

Darwen Library Players marked the date by 'going over the top' during an epic outdoor performance about the Pals in Sunnyhurst Woods.

The event attracted hundreds of visitors despite the poor weather.

Local historian and author of two books on the Pals, William Turner, said: "Sadly there are no veterans left. But the Pals industry in this area is getting stronger each year. It is marvellous to see so many people taking an interest in this poignant anniversary."

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