AN East Lancashire township is to get a permanent exhibition of its untold community history thanks to the national lottery.

Clayton-le-Moors has won a £10,000 grant to collate the material about its distinctive past.

It will be housed at the Clayton Community Centre.

Ian Hodgson, a community activator at the Hyndburn Leisure Trust, said: “We know that Clayton-le-Moors has a rich industrial and cultural heritage and a really distinctive community feel.

"We’re delighted that the National Lottery Heritage Fund has recognised this and awarded us £10,000 to collate and display our local history - mainly through photographs - in the heart of our locality.

“We’re appealing to local people to come forward with their personal memories, stories and pictures of Clayton’s past - covering everything from the buildings, canal and industry through to sport, shops, education and people.

"We’re looking at 14 different themes in total, so there’s certainly something for everyone.”

Clayton-le-Moors has been home to many historic buildings, people of note and fascinating stories, and is often described as 'the cradle of the Victorian industrial revolution'.

The aim of the 18 month-long project will be to recall, record and recognise some of what has happened here over the years, and enhance local people’s sense of place and identity.

The exhibition will be shaped by the community, and its organisers are looking for more volunteers to join the planning workshops starting on Thursday June 1 from 1pm to 3pm.

Sessions will run fortnightly on the first and third Thursday of the month and will be held at Clayton Community Café.

Lyndsey Sims, chief executive of Hyndburn Leisure, said:“This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to work together, share stories, unearth and record memories and to consolidate the deep sense of pride we feel about Clayton-le-Moors.

“And the whole community will benefit from a dedicated, professional free-of-charge exhibition at Clayton Community Centre as a result.”

To find out more about the project, volunteers should contact Ian Hodgson on 01254 961139 or email community@hyndburnleisure.co.uk.