ONE hundred years to the day that local lads began signing up for service in the First World War a book chronicling their stories went on release.

Large crowds turned out at Volunteer Hall, Mill Street, to pick up their copy of ‘The St Helens Pals’ on Saturday.

The work tells the tale of around 3,000 working men from the town who volunteered for service during World War One in the 11th Batallion South Lancashire Regiment – also known as the ‘St Helens Pals.’

Among guests were the deputy mayor of St Helens, Councillor Stephen Glover, Star heritage columnist Chris Coffey and Afghanistan War veteran Andy Reid.

Military historians Dave Risley and Richard Waring have led the research into the heritage lottery-funded project and they handed out signed copies of the book to which they have dedicated themselves to over the past four years.

“It is very satisfying to see the end product of the project and today seems to be a great success,” Dave told the Star at the launch.

“This book has been four years’ worth of work and I have put 2,500 hours into the work myself.

“We’ve had help from family members of soldiers and the museum at Fulwood Barracks in Preston.

“And now it’s now out there for posterity.”

Both Dave and Richard have family connections to the Pals themselves, with Robert and George Waring, cousins of Richard’s grandfather, having served in the ‘A’ Company.

And both of Dave’s maternal great-grandfathers were in the battalion with Lance Corporal William Atherton of ‘D’ Company, who was killed in the war, while Sergeant John Henry Sharratt of ‘B’ Company survived the war only to die in 1920 due to the after-effects of being gassed in 1917.

Contributions from locals and relatives of Pals have enriched the project, with many photographs and family stories appearing in the book.

Around 600 copies were given away at Saturday's launch with copies also to be distributed to libraries and schools around the town.

“We were pleased with the day, we had a target of around 500 and I thought I’d be pleased with that,” said project manager Peter Harvey.

“Lots of people have said it was a good day and found it very moving.”

Anyone who still wishes to receive a copy can apply by getting in touch on www.sthelenspals.org.uk. People will be asked to send a cheque for postage and packaging with the book itself free of charge.