A HISTORY project charting the lives for three key figures from Poole's maritime past has been officially launched at the town's museum.

The 'Pirates, Castaways and Codfish' initiative, organised by the Rotary Club of Poole Bay, will examine how Admiral Sir Thomas Button, Captain John Bennet and Governor Woodes Rogers influenced Poole port during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Don Nutt, Poole Bay Rotary project manager, said: "Over the next few months we will be undertaking research which we hope will shed new light on our three main characters, and their links with Poole.

"We will tell their stories through new exhibition materials for Poole Museum, a new heritage booklet and self-guided walk and CD together with a range of educational resource materials for use by schools."

Poole Museum director Michael Spender said he was pleased the museum would be playing its part in helping to develop an even better understanding of Poole's maritime history over this key 150 year period from 1580 through to 1730.

Last month, the Echo reported how the project had secured almost £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project grew from an original survey, undertaken by Poole Bay Rotary, to record the old alleyways of the town.

During this survey work, which led to the eventual introduction of the Rotary's 'Five Quays Walk' in 2011, the club discovered possible links between these old passages and important historical figures from the town’s past.

Representatives from Rotary Wessex, CODA and Bournemouth University were also at the launch event.

Mr Nutt hopes volunteers and the local community will play a huge the project.

Speaking after the project was awarded a £9,900 National Lottery grant, Heritage Lottery Fund South West head Nerys Watts said: "Thanks to the money raised by the National Lottery players, we’re pleased to support this project which will see volunteers play a key role in bringing Poole’s rich maritime heritage to life."

Visit pirates2codfish.com if you are interested in getting involved.