AN exhibition to commemorate the First World War Armistice opens on Saturday.

Designed and produced by local historians, Brindle-based Steve Williams and Chorley-based Stuart Clewlow, the exhibition is the third in Astley Hall’s Coach House over the last five years staged by the Chorley Pals’ Memorial Trust.

Opened in 2013 as the ‘Chorley Remembers Experience’, it was re-themed in 2016 as the ‘Somme 100’ exhibition to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The new exhibition will retain the popular First World War ‘trench experience’ and medical tent, with the addition of interpretation panels, artefacts and a facsimile of a tank. It will also feature life in Chorley during the war as well as remembering the fallen from the borough.

The exhibition was the idea of memorial trust co-founder and trustee, Mr Williams, who has played a major role in the development of the exhibitions. He has concentrated on the theme and interpretation, supported by fellow Pals trustee Mr Clewlow who has researched and supplied many medals and artefacts.

Mr Williams said: “We are volunteers and whilst we don’t get paid for our work we are certainly not amateurs. It is a labour of love for us and are delighted with the result. We hope that it will be well received by visitors”.

Mr Clewlow said “I am proud to be associated with the exhibition and being able to present artefacts that would not normally be on display to members of the public.”

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Chairman of the Chorley Pals Memorial Trust who funded the exhibition in association with Chorley Council had a sneak preview exhibition last week and said “It is very impressive and Steve and Stuart should be proud of their work”.

The exhibition is open from noon until 4.30pm each Saturday and Sunday, with additional openings on bank holidays and school holidays. Admission is free. Details from Chorley Council on 01257 515928. whilst the project team can be contacted on 0300 201 1916 or via their Facebook Page ‘Chorley 100’.