A COMMUNITY archive has launched to allow residents to share and view pictures, videos and memories from the borough's history.

The St Helens Community Archive has been created by St Helens Library Service to commemorate the 150th anniversary of St Helens becoming a municipal borough.

Residents can explore and browse images, as well as upload and contribute their own photographs, videos, audio, memories or stories to the collection – helping to define local heritage for future generations.

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Council’s portfolio holder for libraries, said: “It’s exciting to offer this unique website to the people of St Helens, which wouldn’t have been made possible without the generous grant given by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“I for one am very much looking forward to getting involved and have already seen some of the excellent photos that we have received from Haydock residents which give a unique view into our past culture and heritage.

"I would encourage residents to contribute to the archive so that in years to come, future generations can relive some of the most significant moments of the borough’s history thorough pictures and film."

Made possible by a £86,400 grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the St Helens Community Archive also includes the digitisation and preservation of unique and historic oral cassette recordings and photographs from the borough collections, as well as engagement activities for schools and different members of the community.

Visit sthelenscommunityarchive.org.uk to find out more.