A POIGNANT artwork remembering the brave Barnsley soldiers who fell in the Battle of the Somme is to be given a permanent home in the town, the Chronicle can reveal.

Light Lines by artists musson+retallick was commissioned by Barnsley Council as part of its Somme centenary commemorations, and was on display in front of the town hall from July 1 until Remembrance Sunday last year to reflect the length of the battle in which more than 800 Barnsley men were killed.

The stunning artwork, which depicted images of local men who fell in battle on the first day, was only ever meant to be temporary but the positive public reaction and national recognition has led to council bosses taking the decision to make it a permanent feature.

This has been made possible by property design and management organisation NPS Barnsley, which is sponsoring the artwork so it can go on display and be enjoyed for years to come.

The council is remaining tight-lipped about where it will be until plans have been approved but it is understood it will be in a town centre location, ruling out a return to the front of the town hall or in the Pals Centenary Square.

Read more in this weeks Barnsley Chronicle