THE discovery of a 1924 dated children's prize in a charity shop in Carnforth has prompted the revival of an old Sunday school tradition with a 21st century twist in Barrow.

While rummaging in a pile of old books, a copy of The Angel Adjutant looked like any other of the period. Opening the front cover, however, revealed its secret.

The book was awarded to Catherine Riley in January 1924 as a reward for 'good conduct and regular attendance' at the Salvation Army Sunday school in Abbey Road, Barrow.

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Sunday schools have a long tradition of giving prizes to their members and Catherine's book will have been one of many awarded at the special 'Prizegiving Sunday', an eagerly awaited event for the young people in the church.

The person who found the book handed it over to the Salvation Army in Barrow, and that kind gesture has prompted the church to revive the principal of giving young people who have attended the church a small gift.

Lieutenant Martin Davison, leader of the Salvation Army in Barrow, said: "It seems appropriate to revive this old traditional and give the young folk some recognition for their valuable contribution to our church services.

"We will update the prizes for the 21st century by perhaps adding appropriate DVD or apps to the books we give."

The Salvation Army will hold a special prizegiving event, the first for many years, on Sunday October 9 from 3pm, with members past and present welcome.

The 1924 book that prompted the prizegiving revival is signed by one of Barrow Salvation Army's most famous former officers, Commandant Oliver Chalker.

Lt Martin said: "The book we have now will have been one of many given out by Cmdt Chalker during the special annual children's service.

"The Sunday school would take centre stage for the day and the children were encouraged to present recitations, sing solos, or play their tambourines for the wider church membership to enjoy."

The Salvation Army would like to hear from former junior soldiers, as the Sunday school members were known, as well as anyone connected to the Catherine Riley.

135 years of history

The Salvation Army was first established in Barrow in 1881 in Duke Street on the site of the current Wilkinson's store and moved to larger premises in 1910, still its landmark Citadel home in Abbey Road.

Across the week, the Salvation Army operates the following services:

+ Community café from Monday to Friday

+ 'Sally Tots' on Tuesday and Thursday mornings

+ Lunch club and friendship group every Wednesday

+ Church services on Sunday at 10.30am and 3pm