A COMMUNITY project group is taking a trip back in time with a new initiative exploring Leigh West's social history and cultural heritage.

National Lottery-funded charity Leigh Neighbours is asking residents to get in touch with their stories and memories.

The plan is to use them as inspiration for organising activities or events in tribute to Leigh West's past.

They will also help Leigh Neighbours' plan to have a series of information panels installed across the area to 'evoke memories of the past, stir people’s curiosity and inspire pride in the patch'.

Leigh Neighbours' Christine Farnworth, of Gordon Street, who has lived in the area all her life, said: “We are asking residents, schools and community groups with a special interest in local history to tell us what kinds of activities or events they would like to see organised.

"We have got the funding but we need your ideas and enthusiasm.

“We would especially like to see your old images of Leigh West and learn about your personal recollections of growing up in the area.

"What was it like living in this part of Leigh half-a-century ago? How has the area been influenced by its past, including its more recent past?

"Let’s celebrate our past.”

Alex Miller, archives manager at Leigh Town Hall, is supporting the new project.

He said: “We want to find out what has shaped the Leigh Neighbours project area and to encourage young and old audiences to learn about the past using print, visual and multi-media materials.

“This is a community-led project so we are inviting residents to tell us what they would like to do and how they would like to get involved.

"We are keen for younger people to take part so we are looking to develop inter-generational projects that will appeal to local schools as well.

“Ultimately we aim to install a series of information panels across the area sponsored by Leigh Neighbours which will evoke memories of the past, stir people’s curiosity and inspire pride in the patch."

To share your Leigh West stories and memories e-mail historyproject@lnpb.org.uk.