THE lives and ultimate fate of the 70 fading names on the King's School's First World War memorial are to be researched by school historian David Hill.

The veteran history master will work with his GCSE students on identifying the human-interest stories that lie behind the forgotten heroes who gave their lives during the 20th century's greatest debacle, as part of the King's Quincentenary project.

The objective is to produce a book and or CD Rom so local historians and, particularly surviving family members of former pupils of what was then the Free Macclesfield Grammar School, can learn more about that period and their ancestors.

The project follows the school's successful restoration of the war memorial of Macclesfield's former Christchurch School, which had been sitting in the cellars of Paradise Mill, but is now an exhibit in the King's School's Library.

Mr Hill's first stop were the archives of the local newspaper, scouring the pages of the what were then the Advertiser and the Courier for any mention of the family names on the plaque.

He has also contacted the Military Records Office but most importantly is desperately keen to get as much local information as possible from the general public.

He said: "The people of Macclesfield will be able to tell us much more about the different names and what stories lie behind their inscription on this historic memorial.

"We are very keen to hear from anyone who knows anything about any of the names."

So far he has unearthed some tragic chronicles, such as Roy Mellor who, along with 20,000 others, died on the very first day of the Somme. Or Ronald Corbishley, one of the country's first ever flyers, who was shot down while working as a Royal Flying Corps Observer.

As well as the book or CD Rom project, King's is currently investigating the best way of restoring the memorial plaque currently in its Main Hall to its former glory.

"After 80 years collecting the grime of school life, it is a job for a professional company," said Mr Hill.

The project will be given greater relevance this autumn when a party of 31 GCSE students travels with the King's History Department to the war graves in Northern France.

Mr Hill added: "We will certainly be trying to trace the graves of our former pupils to pay our respects."

The King's School was founded in 1502 in an annex of St Michael's Parish Church in 1502 and celebrates 500 years in Macclesfield next year.

If you have any information please contact David Hill at the King's School on 01625 260000.