THE tragic story of a soldier from the First World War will be told at Widnes Library.

Author David Hewitt is hosting a talk about his latest book which features the secret history of Joseph, a man who didn’t want to go to war but was forced to by a Westminster tribunal.

He died on the Western Front.

David presents his talk at 2pm on Monday, November 13, to mark the centenary of events of the Great War.

David, a tribunal judge himself, draws on historic legal records and newspaper reports to tell Joseph’s forgotten story and those of others like him.

Using original source material and legal records, he has written a thrilling and thought provoking account.

Joseph, 1917 is a book that is different in its subject and scope from almost every other one published about the war.

Not only is it a military history, it is a life story and a family and social history.

David’s talk will appeal to people who enjoy the TV programme Who Do You Think You Are?

Halton Cllr Phil Harris, board member for libraries, said: “We are really looking forward to hosting David’s talk at in Widnes. He went down really well in Runcorn in June.

"This has also been an incredibly popular talk in other parts of the North West and people who enjoy reading history and biographies will certainly find this fascinating.”

Tickets priced are £2 including refreshments and can be booked at Widnes Library or online at halton.gov.uk/libraries.