A blue plaque has been unveiled on a drill hall in Great Yarmouth that was used to train soldiers for more than 70 years.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Patricia Page with a new book detailing the history of Yarmouth's Drill Hall.Picture: Nick ButcherPatricia Page with a new book detailing the history of Yarmouth's Drill Hall.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The plaque at Artillery Drill Hall in Artillery Square was unveiled by retired Yarmouth solictor Hugh Wiltshire, whose grandfather, Major Percy Wiltshire, trained at the building and was killed in northern France in 1917.

Friday’s ceremony follows the publication of a booklet on the hall’s history by local historian Colin Tooke.

The booklet was commissed by Patricia Page, who is chairman of the charity that now calls the drill hall its home - First Move Furnishaid.

MORE: drill hall booklet releasedThe hall was built in 1880. When its military use finished after more than 70 years to replaced by a more modern drill hall in Southtown Road, the building passed to the borough council and was then sold to Furnishaid for £1 in 2010.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Blue plaque unveiling at Yarmouth's Drill hall.Percy Wiltshire who died during World War 1.Picture: Nick ButcherBlue plaque unveiling at Yarmouth's Drill hall.Percy Wiltshire who died during World War 1.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

The booklet by Mr Tooke is £2.95, all profits to Furnishaid.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Blue plaque unveiling at Yarmouth's Drill hall.Picture: Nick ButcherBlue plaque unveiling at Yarmouth's Drill hall.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)