THE heroics that gained men the Victoria Cross and the nightmare and horror of life in the trenches will be relived next week.

Echoes of the First World War is a series of tours which will run at St George’s Hall, Liverpool from March 10-16, Historian Frank Carlyle will guide visitors around the Lime Street hall revealing Merseyside stories of the First World War as actors in period costume relive the past.

Sound effects, special lighting, projections and poetry will create a unique interactive experience.

Echoes of the First World War is part of the Hall’s own programme of events which take place throughout this centenary anniversary year of the start of the Great War in 1914.

The performance will explore the lives of some of the soldiers and heroic winners of the Victoria Cross – William Ratcliffe, John Davies and Noel Chavasse – and how these men, under extreme adverse war conditions, won the highest military honour bestowed upon them. It will also look at how in the trenches soldiers had to endure rats, lice, cockroaches, trench foot as well as enduring the elements and enemy bombardment.

Frank’s historical narrative and special effects add to the atmosphere.

Echoes of the First World War runs from Monday, March 10 to Sunday, March 16, and each day there will be with four performances, each lasting 45 minutes. Performances begin at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, each accommodating a maximum of 40 visitors. Tickets cost £15 available from 0844 800 0410.