YOUR area forum needs you!

That is the message from councillors who want residents to share stories and memorabilia about Astley Bridge during World War One.

It is hoped people will come forward with information ahead of the area forum on July 23.

There will be old pictures from the period on show and local schools have also been invited to contribute displays to the themed forum.

Local historian Norman Hindley will speak about World War One in Astley Bridge and how things have changed in the area in the last 100 years, while there will also be a celebration cake for people to enjoy.

A Roll of Honour with the names of men from Astley Bridge who died in the conflict will also be on display.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough said: “It should be a very enlightening evening but the most important thing is that people come forward with their stories and memorabilia ahead of the event.

“To quote the old wartime recruitment slogan, your area forum needs you.

“In this centenary year of the start of World War One, we hope that this event will help us find out more about what life was like in Astley Bridge during World War One.”

The meeting takes place at Astley Bridge Baptist Church Eden Street at 6.15pm on July 23.

Anyone with old photographs, memorabilia or stories about Astley Bridge during World War One should contact Cllr Fairclough at hilary.fairclough@bolton.gov.uk or 07814 378406.