LOCAL heroes who fought and died in both world wars are to be commemorated in a book of honour.

The Lancaster Military Heritage Group want relatives of those named on local war memorials to contact them with stories of their loved ones.

Using pen pictures of the 2,500 men whose names are recorded on local war memorials, the 'Book of Honour' will be a token of respect and commemoration to those who died.

"We want to link up with the community to try and get more personal information about these men," said group secretary, Jim Dennis.

"We have already received many moving stories.

For example, one 19 year-old from Halton was a rear gunner in a Lancaster bomber which was shot down in June 1941.

He died aged just 19 - three months before the birth of his daughter.

We want details of soldiers, sailors and air force personal.

Where they lived, worked and played and stories about their service.

All of these details will be included in the 'Book of Honour' which will be accessible in local libraries and make sure these men are commemorated in a more significant way for all time."

Last week, as an act of memorial, a wreath was laid in the graveyard at Heysham's St Peter's Church as a mark of respect to one local servicemen, who lost his life during the third battle of Ypres in 1917.

A floral tribute is laid at the same memorial every year in a private ceremony to honour the bravery of the young man who died aged just 19.

If you have any stories concerning local men whose names are recorded on local war memorial, call Jim Dennis on 822514.