A WIRRAL community project of poetry drama and music inspired by the First World War got off to a poignant start on Wednesday with inspired involvement from local schools including New Brighton Primary and Mosslands.

The word "community" is important here as it shows just how much ordinary men, women and children played their part in the war to end all wars...

Now we can pay tribute to those who sacrificed all as we approach Remembrance Sunday.

In the Blue Lounge, you have the intimacy to capture dialogue and music.

Bev Clark, festival director, has ensured that every person involved has a voice with a diverse programme that caters for all ages.

Bev's mission was to give the "arts community" a chance to use well-known poetry and prose, but also use original new writing project.

Wirral Remembers, a wider project, is ably-served by Bev and her dedicated team's contribution.

I personally have been to the First World War graves as part of a series of articles I wrote in the 1990s.

The memory remains with me of the tragic loss.

The waste of life.

So we should not forget.

Hand In Hand have led us back to the trenches and the poetry and words and songs that live on not only in a foreign field but every town and city where brave soldiers fought for us all.

On Thursday, the readings by the Floral Drama Group were moving and stark.

All six members dressed in black voicing the ghosts of the past. Words with meaning and passion.

It was followed by the three handed play Enemies by Jo Stone.

The Like Minds Theatre Company took us all back in time with powerful performances from Ben Kettner (Felix); Daniel Shelley (Thomas) and Anthony Graven (Jacob).

This tale of a very real nightmare recalled two soldiers - one English and one German, trapped in a crater trying to make sense of it all and was performed with great pathos and understanding.

This was Like Minds, a Wimbledon-based company's first visit to the North West.

I would welcome them, back thanks to this five-star production.

War Peace and Remembrance tonight, Words on War, at 7.30pm, features original pieces by local writers.

On Friday, at 11am, the Livemak Theatre Co present Tommy and the Tale from the Trenches by Mike Lockle.

At 1pm there is Writing Inspired by WWI from Calday Grange Grammar School. At 7.30pm, Hand in Hand present Forgotten Voices.

Saturday, at 2pm, sees Phoenix Drama present Search for Sanctuary and The Girls From Ashburton House by Jill Bteckon.

At 7.30pm Loose Cannon presents The Last Visitor by Allan Williams and Hand in Hand Youth Theatre presents Discordant Fanfares a piece of devised theatre by Josh Stride.

Sunday brings Songs of War and Peace with Calli Hughes, Senital, Mark Dawson and Jack Beacall present songs from WWI and the present day.

Diamond Youth Drama with Wirral Youth Development present their own showcase.

For details and tickets contact handinhandtheatreproductions.co.uk or telephone New Brighton Pavilion on 0151 666 0000.