PAINSTAKING research by local historians has resulted in the collation of the details of 3,250 soldiers who served in the St Helens Pals during the First World War.

Star readers with a story to tell about their ancestors could see it find its way into a soon to be published book about the 11th Battalion South Lancs Regiments.

Anyone trying to find out more about them will also be welcome at a talk and exhibition about the Heritage Lottery-supported project.

Next Thursday, June 19, between 6.45pm and 8.30pm an exhibition of photographs will be held in the Town Hall.

The forthcoming book, The St Helens Pals, written by David Risley and Richard Wareing, due out in September is being published by The St Helens Townships Family History Society.

Project manager Peter Harvey urged people to come and see if their relatives are on the list. He said: “If they are, we want to know the family story, which together with a photograph, could appear in the book.

“This event will be one of the last opportunities to tell your story to The St Helens Pals Project.”