A Burscough heritage group which secured National Heritage Lottery Funding to commemorate two of Burscough’s past residents has unveiled the borough's first ever Blue Plaques in their honour.

Edward Bridge, a WWII code breaker and Harriett Mahood, a Suffragette campaigner are now jointly honoured with the plaques at Burscough Wharf for their outstanding contributions nationally and world wide; the project also includes the publication of free booklets about Harriett and Edward, along with an information display board - designed by Trevor Bridge, great nephew of Edward - now sited near the plaques while a play's planned later this year.

Burscough is proud of its heritage and the commemoration of Edward and Harriett through two Blue Plaques will be the first of its kind, not just in Burscough, but also West Lancashire.

The erection of the plaques has also involved local schools and various groups who will take part in history projects and surveys, and will also promote a greater historical awareness of people and place in the community.

Images of Burscough, the Heritage group run by Michael Dawson, Lawrence Critchley and Debra Baldwin which secured the funding, will be promoting the local history of the Town through talks and displays. There will also be a supporting YouTube film that can be watched which will celebrate Burscough’s past and present and will explain further the significant parts Edward Bridge and Harriet Mahood played during their lives.

The special unveiling - postponed from 11^th April - was held this weekend with Michael and Debra's new baby daughter Harriet also taking part (in her own special way!)

Said Michael: "We are hoping to have a dedication ceremony next year, hopefully when the circumstances allow us too.

"A local drama group based at the Wharf are hopefully going to perform a short play about Harriett and Edward.

"We have special glossy booklets to pass out designed by Trevor Bridge.

"We would like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund who have generously supported and funded this project with a £4,000 grant."

Funding was applied for successfully through the very popular 'Images of Burscough' voluntary community group, which met all the criteria set out to apply for lottery funding.

Added Michael: "You will notice my daughter Harriett on a photo or two! Yes, Harriett Mahood did play a part in naming our daughter as Debra and I really like the name, and I also have a Harriett in my family tree."

Local Borough councillor Andy Pritchard told QLocal: "We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players.

"It’s been a real team effort and thanks must be given to local business, Acumen Financial Partnerships, Burscough Town Council, Images of Burscough and the owners of Burscough Wharf.

"We are confident that this award from the National Heritage Lottery Fund will support young people and the wider community in their appreciation of local history.”

*Special thanks to: Cllr Andrew Pritchard, Trevor & Jocelyn Bridge, Lawrence Critchley, Cllr Chris Ryley, Michael Dawson, Debra Baldwin & baby Harriett Dawson (supervising of course), Julie & Gary Mitchell, Nigel & Shirley Guy / Burscough Wharf, Angela Frampton, Daniel Frampton / Acumen Financial Partnership, Ronwin Hurst nee Mahood, Marc Mahood, Neil MacFarlane, Richard Houghton, Kenneth Lees, David Abrutat, John Unwin, Photocast (who made the blue plaques), Images of Burscough and Surrounding Areas.

Link to You Tube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdqAFHjVmsQ