A MARCH through the town centre took place on Sunday to mark 100 years since Barnsley Pals’ colours were laid up in St Mary’s Church.

Replica flags showed what the originals - which have been laid up in the war memorial chapel in St Mary’s since 1923 and have slowly worn away - would have looked like in all their glory.

A ‘colour party’ carried the two replicas and a variety of groups took part in the procession, including members of the Royal British Legion and Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis, accompanied by the Dodworth Colliery Band.

A service held at the church was attended by an estimated 200 guests afterwards and Jane Ainsworth, who has coordinated the project, thanked people for their attendance.

“It’s a huge part of Barnsley’s history so it’s incredibly important that we remember the sacrifices they made,” she added.

“The replicas are exact copies, even down to their size, of the originals which are unfortunately in a poor state.

“We’re fundraising in order for the originals to be framed.

“It’s a lot of work, time and money to do that but it remains the long-term goal.

“Unfortunately the longer it takes, the more they deteriorate.

“Sunday’s event was special and it was great to see how many people turned out for it.”