MORE than 150 people were marching through Chorley on Saturday to retrace the steps of the town’s heroes.

Men who served in the Chorley Pals and Chorley Terriers during the First World War were commemorated with a parade through the town.

Plaques were also unveiled at the Army Reserve Centre in Devonshire Road.

They followed in the footsteps of the army units who would have taken to the railway station and off to war over hundred years ago.

Led by the Army Band of the Kings’ Division and Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP for Chorley, the parade included civic dignitaries and relatives of the men.

At the Army centre, they met Sir Lindsay and the Mayor, Cllr Margaret Lees, who unveiled the plaques.

It was a poignant moment for the Mayor as her grandfather served in the Chorley Pals unit and died of wounds suffered on the Somme battlefield in 1916.

The event was organised by the Chorley Pals Memorial Trust which remembers the sacrifices of the young men.

Chairman Sir Lindsay said “Both units were made up of local men – all volunteers, who used the Drill Hall for training before going off to war – many not to return.

“It is only right that we and the town recognises their service and sacrifice”.

Parade organisers, local historians Steve Williams and Stuart Clewlow are also busy organising further events leading up to the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice on the 11th November 1918.

The Pals Memorial is to be illuminated permanently from mid-October, courtesy of Chorley Council as part of the Market Walk work.

The Chorley Pals Trust have organised a concert in Chorley Twin Hall on the 11th November at 7.00 p.m. when Leyland Band will play their part in an evening of music, poetry and readings; tickets are just £10 and can be obtained by calling 0300 201 1916.