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Burnley, Lancashire: Hieland Lassie

The two girls who raised funds for the war by fancy dress

Children throughout the country were encouraged to do their bit to help the war effort. In Burnley, two girls in striking costumes came to epitomise that home front campaign.

Jennie Jackson dressed up as "Young Kitchener" – a pint-size version of the Secretary of State for War. It seems Jennie's mother was inspired to begin fundraising when she and her daughter came across a wounded soldier in Burnley's Towneley Park. Jennie lost one of her brothers in the war; another brother was awarded a Military Medal twice for his bravery.

Jennie set about raising money to buy an ambulance; an unusual feat which led to her being invited to take part in the Victory Parade in London after the war was over.

Amy Foster was known as the "Hieland Lassie." Dressed in traditional Scottish costume she also raised money in the same part of Burnley town centre.

Much of the money both girls raised also went towards sending thousands of parcels to troops at the front and sailors in the Royal Navy.

Although, it's thought they were possibly fund-raising rivals in the war, Amy and Jennie's paths would cross again much later in life when – for a short time – they were both looked after in the same care home.

Location: Burnley, Lancashire BB11 9SA
Image: Jennie Jackson as a β€œYoung Kitchener”

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3 minutes

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