COMMEMORATIONS for the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme have been launched in Accrington.

Three mosaics designed by local primary school children were unveiled at Haworth Art Gallery yesterday before a full day of remembrance takes place on Saturday.

The large glassworks, which will be a permanent feature outside the gallery, were produced by youngsters from Baxenden St John's School, Woodnook School, Spring Hill School, Hyndburn Park School, Peel Park School and Benjamin Hargreaves School.

Organiser Bill Matthews, from the Baxenden Community Forum, said: "We wanted to create something that would get local people involved and be a permanent reminder. I am delighted with the standard of the mosaics."

The three designs depict the Pals on their way to war, in battle and a memorial.

The Battle of the Somme saw the Accrington Pals suffer devastating losses.

The 11th (Service) Battalion (Accrington) East Lancashire Regiment, better known as the Accrington Pals, is probably the best remembered of the battalions raised in the early months of the First World War in response to Kitchener's call for a volunteer army.

It suffered devastating losses in the attack on Serre, on July 1, 1916 the opening day of the Battle of Somme.

A full day of events is planned for Saturday including an open air service and civic parade.

The Baxenden Bash fair will also form part of the commemorations. And there will be an exhibition "Our Dear Pals, the Somme and the Great War" at Haworth Art Gallery, featuring pictures by First World War artists.

The procession from Accrington Town Hall to Church Street Gardens for commemorative service begins at 10.40pm. There will be a two minutes silence at 11.00am. The Baxenden Bash begins at 12pm at Haworth Park.