A PLAQUE dedicated to the memory of a famous Accrington Pals historian is to be unveiled exactly 100 years since the beginning of the First World War.

The commemoration is to acknowledge the huge time and effort Bill Turner spent on researching information about the regiment.

Mr Turner spent years working to preserve the memory of the Accrington Pals and even wrote a book about the heroes.

He died in 2007 aged 76 after being made an honorary freeman of Hyndburn.

The plaque will be put up in the Richardson Room at Accrington Library to reflect the huge amount of time he spent there.

His wife Ruth will also be present at the unveiling at 4.15pm on August 4 alongside dignitaries including other members of the Accrington Pals Working Group, library staff, the mayor Coun Musif Dad and his consort.

Mrs Turner, who is also a member of the Accrington Pals working group, said she was delighted her husband’s memory was being honoured.

She said: 'I’m so pleased and proud that Bill’s lifelong work of chronicling the history of the Accrington Pals and recognition for their bravery is to be marked in this way.

“It’s especially poignant that the plaque is installed on this day and in this year, the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

“Also that it will be in Accrington Library, a place very close to Bill’s heart, as it’s where he spent so much time researching the Pals.”

Coun Dad added: “I am certainly looking forward to the unveiling.

“Any activity regarding the Pals and anybody who has worked on that project does us proud.

“Mr Turner was on of the people who has kept their memory alive and he needs to be commemorated. I think a plaque is a fitting tribute for him.”