ACCRINGTON war memorial is becoming a pilgrimage site for amateur dramatics groups across the country who are using the experience to prepare for a play dedicated to East Lancashire's most famous regiment.

A Leyland drama group has become the latest troupe to visit the war memorial as part of their preparations for a performance of The Accrington Pals.

The entire cast of the St Ambrose Players made the 'pilgrimage' to the memorial in Oakhill Park to get a feel for the area where the famous regiment came from and to get into character for their production, which starts this week.

Accrington Pals historian Bill Turner said the journey was often made by amateur dramatic societies planning to perform the Peter Whelan play. Bill said: "I will be going myself to the one the St Ambrose Players are putting on. We have had amateur dramatic societies from all over the country coming to see the memorial."

Tony Gittings, organiser and assistant director of the production by the St Ambrose Players, said: "It was certainly quite fitting to go and visit the memorial.

"The Accrington Pals is a wonderful play and we want to do it justice."