AFTER languishing in a bell tower for four decades, two First World War rolls of honour will form the centrepiece of an exhibition in a North-East church.

Churchgoer Ian Wood unearthed the two memorials from the tower of St John’s Church, Darlington, after they were first stored there in the 1970s.

He restored them to their former glory and the Bishop of Durham is due to dedicate them to the church during a special service on November 9.

The memorials will also be on display as part of a First World War exhibition over the weekend of November 8 from 10am to 4pm on the Saturday and noon to 4pm on Sunday.

Mr Wood said: “We have been doing some research on the names on the board and we thought it would be interesting to see if people that live locally had relations on the board.

“It might be nice if they came down and had a look because we have done quite a lot of work on it.

“It has been really interesting; the number of people we have managed to find out about, they are all local people, although some of the streets they lived on aren’t there anymore.”

Mr Wood said that St John’s, in Neasham Road, was historically known as ‘the railwayman’s church’ and it is hoped that the Head of Steam Museum will contribute relevant memorabilia to the exhibition.

In addition, Mr Wood would welcome any loans of First World War items relevant to the Eastbourne area from residents.

The Royal British Legion is also expected to have a presence at the exhibition and dedication.