OLD folk's memories of Burnley's past are to be preserved on tape for posterity.

A spoken history of the town, in the words of the people who remember it, will be recorded so that future generations can learn about the way local people used to live.

Volunteers will interview senior citizens this summer and then publish a booklet of their testimony later in the year.

The project will be paid for with money from the Stocks Massey fund.

The public learned about the idea at a stall run by over-50s volunteers at the King Cotton Carnival in the town centre on Saturday, and so far there is great support.

"We've had a tremendous response," said Mike Waite of Burnley council's community development section, which is in charge of the project. "People are very enthusiastic.

"We hope it will prove a valuable history of the town's recent past given by people in their own words for future generations."

If you would like to take part, either by being interviewed or helping with interviews, contact Mike Waite or Joan Smith at: Community development section, 18-20 Nicholas Street, Burnley, BB11 2AP; or telephone 435916 or 425011 extension 2363.

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