Tales of bygone sporting times are been collected to provide a historical record of two village football teams.

The On The Touchline project is producing a compact disc of the history of Eccleston and Heskin football teams.

Over the last few months, interviewers have been collecting memories of the players, referees and kit washers who have kept up the village footy traditions in the two areas since 1902.

The disc is being produced to mark the two teams merging.

Material gathered recalls the great days of sheer amateur enthusiasm when the men would do a hard day's work and still look forward playing a match, sometimes still in their work boots in the years before they could afford proper gear!

Jason Hurley, who conducted some of the interviews, said: "We were able to track down several photographs of teams around 50 years ago.

"I also interviewed Charlie Ashcroft, who played in the 1945-46 side that won the league and cup. He was a goalkeeper who went on to play for Liverpool for many years.

"There is also a link with Pontins tycoon Trevor Hemmings who played for Eccleston briefly.

"I was also told of the time the team played in front of the then Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, at a game in Preston.

"One question we are still looking for the answer to is what colour strip Eccleston played for in the 50s and 60s as all the photos we have are in black and white."

If you wish to contribute to the project please call Joyce Morris on 01257 452059.