A SET of forty World War One recruitment posters, found in St Helens Central Library, are to go on public show for the first time.

These precious visuals, which call men to arms, are part of an exhibition at the World of Glass entitled 'C'mon Chums', marking the 90th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One.

St Helens played a major part in the war, both in terms of manpower and industry, and the exhibition provides a glimpse of life for townsfolk during the era.

'C'mon Chums' documents the sacrifices made by the local people during this time and in particular the St Helens Pals Battalion, which formed part of the South Lancashire Regiment.

They marched away from St Helens Town Hall in September of 1914.

Original posters, photographs, extracts from documents in the archives and artefacts from the Queen's Regimental Museum make up the exhibition.

The idea for the event was primarily based on the superb collection of original World War I posters hidden away in the archives of the Local History and Archives Library.

While the posters are sure to turn heads, a collection of documents from the front line (also on display) will touch hearts and remind people of the horrors of the war.

Councillor Pindor, Social and Cultural Executive Member, says; "Sitting in our comfortable homes nearly a century later, it is difficult to imagine the sheer hell that many young men went through in the Trenches.

"This is why these personal messages, donated to us by their relatives in St Helens are so important.

"They bridge the gap between that generation and ours and make us realise that these were real people with friends and family, putting their lives on the line for the country they believed in."

The letters are made all the more poignant by photographs showing members of the St Helens Pals Battalion also presented to the exhibition by local residents.

As for the posters, uncovered back in the late 1980s during building work at the Library but never shown until now, they've been given the thumbs-up by local historians who are involved with the exhibition.

'C'mon Chums' runs from 7 September until 14 November at the World of Glass. Admission is free. For more information, telephone 08700 11 44 66.