AN information panel highlighting the history of one of Cockermouth's most historic and well loved buildings was unveiled to the public in a special ceremony.

The Kirkgate Building Public Information Panel was unveiled on Friday, May 24 by the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott.

Mr Scott formally unveiled the Civic Trust public information panel which celebrates the history of the Kirkgate Centre building from its opening as All Saints National School in 1869, through its time of neglect in the 1970s and 80s, to its conversion to the thriving arts and heritage centre that it is today.

Phil Campbell, chairman of the Civic Trust, explained that it was the Civic Trust that led the campaign in 1990 to save the building from demolition, such that it could be used for community use.

Peter Colley, then vice chair of the Civic Trust, was central to this and the subsequent renovation and conversion of the building.

The information panel recognises Peter’s major contribution to what the Kirkgate Centre is today and has been funded in his memory by his widow, Barbara Colley.

Barbara, who was then secretary of the Civic Trust, also played a significant role, particularly regarding funding. Their son, Dan Colley, represented Barbara at the ceremony.

Speaking about the panel, Dan said: "It's great to see their achievement and what they would both want... thinking about it from their point of view, they would want folk in Cockermouth and the surrounding areas to make use of it and to make sure it continues to thrive.

"That would be their priority and that maybe people would have their own ideas of things that would be good for their community now and in the future."