ORGANISERS of exhibition uncovering a village’s contribution to the First World War feel they have passed on the "torch of remembrance" to younger generations.

Outlining the Great War’s influence upon Rainhill, the show was held at St Ann’s Church.

“More than 1,000 turned up in total including the preview evening and the two days, it was a tremendous number for a small village,” said Ann-Veronica Howitt, of the Rainhill Civic Society, who was involved in the two-year long research effort leading up to the display.

“Some people with Rainhill connections had made huge journeys from across the country.

“We were glad that so many school and nurseries visited. We feel in particular that our role is to pass on the torch of remembrance.”

Among the fascinating stories was that of George Ernest Mather, reputed as the first soldier from the village to go to the war, and who survived of the whole conflict.

An intriguing connection to the origins of Saints was also featured, with the tale of how club founder WilliamHerman's son Robert was killed on an offensive patrol in 1916.

A book of wounded or sick soldiers' autographs, that had been collected by wartime hospital nurse Edith Lidstone in Rainhill, was another highlight.

It had ended up in Canada after being passed along a chain of family and friends but was sent to the society as a gift.

“It was exhilarating because we got such positive reviews, we’re quite overwhelmed,” added Ann-Veronica.

“There were some who had relatives featured and a lot of people brought more information.

“It will continue to be an ongoing project and hopefully there will be opportunities to stage it again.

“At the moment we are desperately short of an area of dry storage to put everything in to keep it for another occasion and currently it’s divided among the researchers!

”It’s been exhausting but it went very well.”

There are long-term plans for the findings to go on the Rainhill Civic Society website, www.rainhill-civic-society.org.uk.