MEMBERS of Halliwell Local History Society have restored a piece of the past to its former home.

The society was asked to investigate the discovery of a cast iron column among the foundations of Jubilee School, Church Road, Halliwell.

Now, following members' investigations, they have officially returned the column to its original home in Barrow Bridge.

Member Barrie Parker said: "Jubilee School goes back to 1810, and was extended in 1913. Last year the school was rebuilt because it had not had proper foundations laid.

The people of St Peter's Church, in Church Road, helped find the money so that the school could be rebuilt. It was during this work that the cast iron column was found.

"The architect was puzzled by the discovery and the society was called in. He felt that the column had come from a mill and he asked us if we could dscover its origins.

"We put two and two together -- the school's extension had been done in 1913, and that same year the Barrow Bridge mills were knocked down. Money for the school extension came from the area, so it is likely that when a column was needed for support, one was found at Barrow Bridge."

Left with the column, members of the society renovated it and returned it to its original area.

Council dignatories joined society members in an official dedication of the new landmark, situated in the village car park alongside a specially-built stone wall and notice.