THE former Stockton Heath home of ukulele playing film star legend George Formby has been officially recognised with a specially commissioned blue plaque.
Members of the Warrington-based George Formby Society, who were joined by Formby’s niece, Geraldine Smith who unveiled the commemorative plaque.
The event marked the official opening of a new hotel at the Hillcrest property on London Road and was also part of a wider aim to retain Stockton Heath’s Purple Flag status.
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.
It was from the property on London Road where 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.”
Meanwhile the former Formby property has been converted into the Amado boutique hotel.
Pictures show the blue plaque and Geraldine Smith with members of the George Formby Society outside the property on London Road.
