A plaque commemorating the lives of Bingley's heroes who fought in the Boer War is to be rededicated - a century after the war ended.

Town centre manager David Dinsey discovered the elaborate brass tablet locked away and forgotten in the town's library.

He had the plaque restored to its former glory and hung in the library.

And now Mr Dinsey is trying to track down relatives of the 49 volunteers who went to fight in South Africa at the turn of the century.

"It would be lovely to find some family members who would like to come along to a rededication service," he said.

"This plaque is part of the town's history and we seem to forget people who fought in the lesser-known wars.

"I've been digging around trying to find out as much as I can and I seem to have hit a brick wall. But if people in the town stopped and thought about what their grandfathers or fathers did, maybe we could find some connections."

Councillor Colin Gill (Con, Bingley) said the plaque was an important memorial to those who died in the conflict.

And he said the original dedication of the plaque had marked a significant time in the town's history.

"The rededication of this memorial plaque to those who died in the Boer War is very timely," said Coun Gill, "In many senses, the original dedication of the plaque marked the coming of age of Bingley as a town, because it was the first major civic event that took place since the formation of the original Bingley Council."

Coun Gill said he now hoped the rededication could coincide with a campaign to reform the town council.

"The plaque's rededication marks the beginning of the campaign for the new Bingley Town Council, which we hope to start in earnest in May," he said. The date for the rededication of the plaque has not yet been set. The plaque was made by Bell & Co engravers of Hall Ings and was commissioned by the Bingley Patriotic Fund and first unveiled in June 1905 at the Free Library in the town hall.

People who believe they may be related to the listed heroes can contact Mr Dinsey on (01274) 758776. Pamela Booth, Bingley Library supervisor, is pictured with the plaque.