HALTON'S forgotten war heroes are being honoured thanks to the National Lottery.

Halton Heritage Partnership (HHP) has received a lottery grant of £9,900 to mark the centenary of the First World War.

A project called Halton's Gallant Heroes aims to honour the unsung heroes from Widnes, Runcorn, Daresbury and Moore.

Those who died during World War I are commemorated on various cenotaphs across the borough of Halton.

Victoria Cross awards in the Borough are well documented and commemorated but the many other gallantry awards for those who survived WWI are not.

The project will focus on those who did return and should also be recognised.

It aims to help to build awareness among the community and in local schools of heroism and crucially the life stories of those who survived the war and what their life was like afterwards.

To mark the centenary of the First World War, the project will enable Halton residents to come together to preserve the memories and heritage of the people who lived through the conflict.

Volunteers will collect photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, letters and photos of keepsakes, as well as family tales passed down to help them build a clear picture of what life was really like.

With help from volunteers and professionals, the information gathered will be digitally recorded and uploaded on to Halton’s Virtual Museum website haltonheritage.co.uk where everyone can access and contribute information.

The archive will allow the public to discuss, contribute, share and research information about the Home Front.

The project will initially deliver up to 20 short biographies of WWI heroes who survived the war and who are no longer with us to be able to tell their own compelling stories so those of us in the twenty first century do not forget their bravery.

Frank Lawless, chairman of HHP, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players especially those in Halton, that will enable local heritage to be recorded for future generations, especially those who gained gallantry awards, survived and led a life post war.”

For further details email haltonheritage@gmail.com.