THE George Formby Society helped give a unique fanfare befitting their idol as Stockton Heath paid tribute to its local legend.

A blue plaque which has been specially commissioned to mark the former home of George Formby was unveiled on Saturday.

And a band of ukulele players rolled up to the home on London Road to mark the occasion as part of the village’s wider aim to regain its Purple Flag status.

George Formby Jnr moved to Stockton Heath with his dad George Snr, mother Eliza and six siblings when he was young and followed in his dad’s footsteps on the music hall stage.

And it was from that home at 143 London Road, then known as Hillcrest, that he launched his career in the entertainment industry after first trying his hand as a jockey at the age of 10.

Helen Curwen, from Stockton Heath Purple Flag Committee, said: “The plaque is a way for Stockton Heath to help commemorate the village’s culture.

“As part of our Purple Flag bid we have to demonstrate the village’s vibrant culture and with schemes such as the purple flag project and marking the history of one of our most famous former residents we can do just that to judges.”

Last month the village celebrated its history through an art project with flags flying which were designed by school pupils to reflect the history of its businesses.

The Formby home has been converted into Amado Boutique Hotel which opens its doors this month.