AMATEUR historians spent more than two years researching a town’s fallen soldiers to give them the recognition they deserve in a special book of remembrance.

Bishop Auckland Civic Society will present the commemorative book to Canon Neville Vine, at St Anne’s Church, in Bishop Auckland, on Sunday (November 9).

It will be put on permanent display in the entrance and will replace the previous list, which is also on display in the church

Dr Bob McManners, chairman of the society, said a lot of time had been spent ensuring the details published are as accurate as possible.

“As a society we were aware that the names of those who give their lives in the First World War are not on the war memorial so should have a permanent record,” he said.

“The original idea was to put everyone who has fallen in war but we soon realised this was going to be too big a task to get it finished in time for now.

“We want to be as accurate as possible. The book includes people who were born here, lived here or enlisted here.”

There are 1340 names in the book and space has been left in case anyone has been left out.

Canon Neville Vine said: “I think it is extremely important to have this book and we are making a special cabinet for it.

“There is something very poignant about remembering these people by their names.”

Bishop Auckland county councillor Sam Zair and former county councillor Neil Harrison donated money from their members’ initiative fund to pay for the project. The rest of the money was donated by the civic society.

Coun Zair said: “I think it is important we remember our fallen heroes and this new book is an excellent way to do this.

“This is a lasting memorial and legacy and ensures these people will be remembered by future generations.”