A LEADING figure from Darwen's past has been commemorated with a plaque outside his former home.

Sir David Shackleton, who lived in Victoria Street and later London Terrace, was an important trade unionist and MP.

Now his former home in Victoria Street has been granted a blue plaque detailing his life and achievements.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has paid for the £350 plaque which was specially made at an ironmongers in Derbyshire.

It features the Darwen crest, Sir David's name, details of his life, and his birth and death date.

Coun Dave Smith, civic society member and representative of the Sunnyhurst ward, led the campaign for the plaque.

He said: "In the recent past the important people in Darwen's history have been commem-orated in road names in Belgrave Heights estate, but there is nothing for Sir David Shack-leton, so this is important."

Marilyn Bysh, secretary of the Darwen Civic Society added: "Coun Smith told us about two houses in his ward where David Shackleton lived, but unfortunately the people who lived in London Terrace didn't want a plaque putting up.

"The owner of the house in Victoria Street is very pleased to have it and even asked us if it would add value to the property.

"Darwen is a very interesting place and we're recognising significant figures from the past."

Last year the Civic Society erected two plaques: one in Pole Lane where the United Reformed Church started, and another in Springvale Garden Village, which was visited by Mahatma Ghandi in 1931.

David Shackleton was born near Rawtenstall in 1863 and became secretary of first Ramsbottom then Darwen Weavers' Association.

In 1894 he was elected to Darwen Town Council and in 1902 became one of the country's first Labour MPs.