HISTORY will be brought to life when people get a chance to watch the famous Accrington Pals Regiment set off for France more than 90 years after the event.

Visitors to Accrington Library will be able to see the Pals on their historic departure for the Western Front in 1915, just one of a number of films which will be shown.

Just over a year after the film was made, 235 Pals were killed and a further 350 wounded on 1 July 1916 on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

Also on show will be a film showing Great Harwood folk celebrating the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953, an event which would have seen Hyndburn folk crowding round their black and white TV sets.

The historic films are part of the collection of the North West Film Archive (NWFA), based at Manchester Metropolitan University.

They are being shown as part of an East Lancashire On Film event, designed to make many films showing important events accessible to view.

Marion Hewitt, archive service manager said: “This is a great opportunity for the people of East Lancashire to enjoy an evening with a difference and take a look back at life in their towns in the past century.”

The screenings will take place on Thursday at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £1 are available from Accrington Library or by calling 306905.

People are advised that places are limited, so they must book early to avoid disappointment.