A VERY rare unseen letter written by the First Earl Of Birkenhead in 1906 is to go on display at museum dedicated to the life of tragic First World War poet Wilfred.

It was donated to The Wilfred Owen Museum in Birkenhead as part of its World War One Centenary Exhibition by Ian Gardler.

Ian's great Grandfather William Gardler was a colour sargeant in the 'King's Own' Royal Liverpool Regiment.

He was also honorary secretary of The Breckfield Conservative Club, Liverpool, and it was while he was there that the Earl corresponded with him.

The Earl, who was better known as F E Smith, was born in Birkenhead in July 1872 and was Winston Churchill's closest friend. Smith was made Baron of Birkenhead in 1919, and was appointed Lord Chancellor.

The Earl was famous for his speeches, and once whilst addressing university students he announced, “The world offers glittering prizes to those with stout hearts and sharp words.”

Dean Johnson, founder of The Wilfred Owen Story, said: "We are proud to exhibit a letter from one of the greatest men of his age.

"The Earl of Birkenhead is a son of the town and held the position when Wilfred Owen was resident here. It is all part of Wirral's rich history that has made it famous across the world.”

The letter is now on permanent display.

The Wilfred Owen Story - the country's first permanent tribute to the wartime poet - was officially opened in 2011.

It commemorates the work of the late WWI soldier and tells the story of his earlier years on the borough.

Owen was tragically killed a week before Armistice Day.