THE HIDDEN heroics of Asian soldiers in the Second World War are to come under the spotlight as part of a project led by Blackburn Museum.

Many now elderly men in East Lancashire's Asian population were enlisted to fight for the Allies before they left the Indian sub-continent for Britain in the 1960s and 70s.

Their tales of warfare and sacrifice include rescuing refugees in North Africa, helping British POWs flee the Japanese and fighting the Italians on their own soil.

Asian ex-servicemen are now being invited to record personal stories of their experiences, with recordings offered to local schools for learning and used as the foundation of a sound recording archive.

The scheme, called the Veterans' Reminiscence Project, is part of Their Past Your Future, a £10 million, year-long programme of commemorative and educational events.

It is being led by the Imperial War Museum to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

It was launched in Blackburn this week to coincide with the museum showing the touring Their Past Your Future exhibition, which leaves Blackburn on April 17. It features artefacts, memories and photographs from the Home Guard.

The Museum is also taking the opportunity to record the memories of local people who experienced the Home Front in Blackburn, Darwen and the surrounding area.

Steve Irwin, keeper of social history at Blackburn Museum, said: "We have already interviewed several fascinating people.

" Anybody who has a story to tell is invited to contact Steve Irwin or Nick Harling, the museum's education officer, on 01254 667130.