ALTHOUGH Leigh's Hall of Fame is still in the planning stages and not yet confirmed, there have already been further nominations for names to be featured on the Golden Footsteps.

The idea, as previously reported, is that Leigh's civic square could feature several 'golden footsteps', brass-plated footprints which would each feature the name, profession and birth date of a top Leyther. Nominations include author James Hilton and chess master Nigel Short.

Now another name has been added to the ever-growing list -- Minnie Marsh, nominated by Mary Minnie Marsh Lowe (nee Leigh) whose grandfather William Leigh was Miss Marsh's gamekeeper, gardener and odd-job man.

Miss Marsh -- Mary Matilda Susan Marsh -- provided the town with the Marsh Gymnasium, the Marsh Playing Fields, a swimming baths and Christmas gifts for the Church of England 's over 80-year-olds of the parish.

"Each Sunday afternoon my father used to take me to Westleigh Hall on Wigan Road. I played there while he chopped logs for the Hall fires.

"In fact as a small child I sat on an iron cannon in front of the front door.

"My mother asked permission to name me after Miss Marsh who made it a condition in her will that the Marsh Playing Fields should be kept for that reason -- playing.

"When I pass the playing fields and see four lots of football teams I say to myself 'there you are Miss Minnie, your fields are being used to the full'.

"By the way the gateposts are still there and when Miss Marsh passed through and children opened the gates for her horse and carriage she threw half-crowns to the youngsters.

If there is someone you would like to nominate for a Golden Footstep write to the Journal editorial department at 44/46 Railway Road, Leigh, WN7 4AT or email bgomm@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk. Nominees must either have been born in or lived in Leigh to qualify.