THE words, phrases and dialects that make Lancashire stand out are to be recorded for future generations in a new social history project.

The Noise We Mek scheme involves following the Leeds/Liverpool canal from Blackburn through Chorley to Burscough, recording and comparing the different accents and dialects found along the route.

Leading the Lottery-funded project is Lancashire Society Chairman Sid Calderbank, known for his performances and talks on old Lancashire dialect.

He said: “We hope it will be a record for future generations of the sounds that make the county great, From the quiet agriculture of Burscough and Rufford, through the Wigan coalfields, the markets of Chorley to the cotton in Blackburn.

“To do this accurately, we need the help of people who really know the industries along the way.

“Farmers, colliers, market traders and their customers and cotton workers, indeed anyone with experience of living in this area who has a tale to tell.”

The testimonies and stories will be woven into a short play, which will be performed by the communities.

For this, the society needs schools, youth groups, churches and other groups who want to get involved.

Launch events for The Noise We Mek are being held in Blackburn, in the Central Library Abram Room, Town Hall Street, on Thursday at 7pm and in Chorley, Astley Hall Coach House, on Wednesday, October 13 at 7pm. Everyone with an interest in local history is welcome.

* That’s Lancashire-speak for ‘Have you got an interesting tale?’