I WAS pleased to set my alarm to join many others queuing up at 10.15am to get into the Volunteer Hall to pick up my copy of the new book ‘St Helens Pals’, compiled by David Risley and Richard Waring.

This 266-page gem is not for sale but its production was Heritage Lottery-funded to ensure all helpers and contributors would receive a memorable free copy. This is more excellent work by the St Helens Townships Family History Society.

The PALS have contributed to a major collection of WW1 propaganda, ‘War Posters Exhibition’, at the World of Glass. The borough has one of the largest collections in the country. There will also be artefacts from the PALS, the British Legion and the borough’s own archives.