A compelling film about The Accrington Pals is to be shown at a special premiere in Accrington as part of the regiment’s centenary commemorations.

The Heritage Lottery-funded film will be shown at a special intimate screening at Accrington Town Hall on Tuesday, July 5.

It has never previously been screened in the town, only on Manchester-based Channel M.

The Accrington Pals film is presented by the late William Turner, local historian and researcher of The Accrington Pals.

The screening on July 5, the anniversary of Mr Turner’s death, is dedicated to his memory, acknowledging that “without [his] efforts on the part of The Accrington Pals this programme would not have been possible”.

The 46-minute film was uncovered by Scott Dawson Advertising of Burnley, while researching a story about the history of football. The marketing firm has arranged the screening of the film, working with Hyndburn council.

Co-presented by Colonel Mike Glover it features other contributors, including The Fusiliers Museum, Lancashire.

It gives an incisive and deeply moving account of the devastating losses suffered by the battalion in the attack on Serre on July 1, 1916, the opening day of the Battle of the Somme.

Viewing of the film is strictly limited to 100 people and by ticket only. Tickets for the event at 3pm on Tuesday, July 5 are priced at £3, including tea, coffee and biscuits.

They can be booked by calling Accrington Town Hall on 01254 380293.

All proceeds from tickets sales will be donated to The Accrington Pals commemorative fund, whose work aims to preserve the lasting memory of the heroism of the Accrington heroes of The East Lancashire Regiment and to remember the fateful day when 584 out a battalion of 720 were killed or injured.

For further information about the film screening, call Accrington Town Hall on 01254 380293.