A film is to be created detailing the story of the Preston Pals.

Arts group Rowbot Street have received £48,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to tell the story of the Pals Battalions through a project called Pals For Life.

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Dan Rowbottom, project co-ordinator said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and we are excited that communities will get this unique opportunity to explore the story of the Pals.”

The Preston Pals were a group of men from the city and surrounding area who volunteered to fight during the First World War.

The Pals were young men who fought at the Somme and also with distinction at Messines Ridge in Belgium in 1917.

A memorial to them, known in military terms as the D company the 7th service batallion of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, was unveiled at Preston train station in July 2012.

The Preston Pals queue at Preston rail station

The community arts project will research the pals and tell their story through oral history thanks to the funding.

Sara Hilton, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “The First World War changed the face of modern history touching the lives of everyone in this country and beyond. HLF has committed to funding a variety of projects which will create a deeper understanding of the heritage of the conflict.

“Some of these will capture the memories of individual soldiers, regiments or families; some will reveal the importance and uncover stories around local war memorials, whilst others like Pals for Life will encourage people to learn more about the history of the Pals in Preston, Nelson and Salford. We have already supported over £33m of projects from across the United Kingdom to commemorate the centenary.”

Rowbot Street is an organisation working with young people and the wider community on media and art based projects.

What do you think about the funding? What do you know about the Preston Pals? Let us know in the comments below