AN ‘UNSUNG’ Darwen hero has been commemorated for his work in the community.

Former Lions president Ian Ashton was unveiled as the first person to be named on a memorial plaque on the Town Hall building.

Darwen Lions Club commissioned the granite piece to formally recognise the efforts of community champions.

The scroll of honour reads: “In appreciation to the people of Darwen that have made an outstanding contribution to the community.”

The club hopes several more names, currently ‘under wraps’, will be added to the engraving which was created and donated by Brett Stevenson Memorials.

Former Lions president Kevan Jennings came up with the idea after the death of charity champion Mr Ashton in June last year.

He was joined at the unveiling by current president Stephen Milligan, and Brent Stevenson employees Dave Chadwick and James Stevenson. Mr Milligan said: “Whilst military veterans are routinely honoured and many roads and structures have been dedicated to historic figures, there is a gap when it comes to committed community members who have died more recently.

“We wanted to be able to demonstrate our pride in the civilians who have done great things for our community and people less fortunate than themselves who would otherwise get forgotten over time. We decided that a plaque would be the best way to create a permanent memorial to them and hope to add more names in the coming months.

“Ian was a true unsung hero who was the last surviving charter member of the Darwen Lions and a long-standing member of the scout movement.

“The Lions would like to express their gratitude to Brent Stevenson and his team without whom this plaque would not have been created.”

“The plaque is an important addition to the town that we hope will be enjoyed by all.”