THE Journal has been inundated with names of local heroes who readers feel deserve to be honoured on a town centre Walk of Fame.

Since the Golden Footsteps idea was launched in April they have suggested an amazing selection of deserving nominees.

The concept was the brainchild of a Leigh resident who believes the brass nameplate footsteps along the Town Hall Square would give young people something to aspire to.

Since the announcement people's pride in the town's celebrities past and present has shone through.

We featured earlier nominations, but now wrap up the list, until the scheme takes root, with some of the latest suggestions.

Mr Ray Childs, of Stowe Gardens, Leigh, suggests international dance band leader Andy Prior who is playing in Las Vegas this month.

Mrs L Unsworth, of Orchard Lane, Leigh, names her brother Jim Whitehead who won the England Junior 100 yards freestyle event in 1952.

Jeff Jervis, of Lakeside, Leigh had a long list of worthies headed by clairvoyant Ellen Hill and champion for a brighter Leigh, Rita Collier.

John Corbett, of Butts Street, has a bumper bundle -- Alf Wilkinson VC; international opera star Lancashire Caruso, Tom Burke; Joe Reid, Japanese POW and champion wrestler; Joe Bates - 1908 Olympic speed skater; Olympic athlete Fred Norris; rugby stars Gerry Helme, Mick Martyn and John Woods and Mr Corbett's favourite Jesse "The Cropper" Graham, the demon barber of Silk Street, renowned for his "It costs nowt to smile" slogan, charging a brick for a haircut and building Cropper's Hall in Manchester Road.

Others include top comedian Ken "I'll not take my coat off, I'm not stopping" Platt, scientist Sir Alan Battersby, scriptwriter Ronnie Taylor and Andy Prior's dad, orchestra leader Johnny Prior.

Jim McCabe suggested diplomat Sir William Barker who was born on July 19, 1909 at number 3 Plank Lane, the son of Alfred and Anne Barker.

Degree

Brought up at the New Inn in Firs Lane he attended Leigh Grammar School and gained a first class degree in Russian at Liverpool University followed by a PhD at Prague University.

He married Margaret Beirne at Our Lady of the Rosary Church on August 19 1939, joined the Intelligence Corps during the Second World War and in 1945 returned to Prague as first secretary in the British embassy. In 1947 he transferred to Moscow, also served in Oslo and 1954 became consul general in Boston, USA.

He acted as interpreter for Prime Minister Anthony Eden during the visit to Britain of Soviet leaders Bulganin and Krushchev and in 1966 became British ambassador in Prague.

Knighted in 1967 he died in 1990, aged 82.

No more nominations for now, folks, and thank you for your suggestions.