KEY treasures from the former Accrington Museum are on show for the first time since its closure at the start of the Second World War.

Items including a Greek coin from 425BC and the ‘death penny’ presented to the families of fallen First World War soliders can be viewed after decades in storage.

They form part of a Commemorations Exhibition at the Haworth Art Gallery of more than 100 items which have not been seen since the former Accrington Museum in Oakhill Park closed.

Curators at the Haworth said the items have been in their archives for some time, but were not in any condition to be viewed until now.

Thanks to a £5000 grant from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council coins and memorial items have now finally been restored to their former glory.

Key items from Hyndburn’s past are also included in the exhibition, such as a commemorative key which markes the opening of Accrington St Mary Magdalene’s School in 1892.

A plaque also shows how the people of Accrington adopted HMS Boadicea - a B-class destroyer in 1942.

Learning and Access officer Yvonne Robbins said: “These items certainly have not been seen since the old museum closed, and we do not know for sure the last time they were displayed before that.

“There are many, many coins and comemorative items which give you a real glimpse into the area’s past.

“There are so many interesting items on display that we have put together a guide called the ‘discovery trail’ which will help visitors identify and find out about various objects in the Commemorations exhibition.”

The exhibition is on display until Sunday October 17. Free tours and activities are available for school groups through Yvonne Robins on 01254 233 782.