Blue plaque honour for hero of Kinder Scout

The late Benny Rothman, a campaigner, rambler and communist, organised the Kinder Scout trespass to challenge the rights of landowners to prevent the public from enjoying the countryside.

The 80th anniversary of the action was celebrated on April 24.

Such was its success that the event is credited with paving the way for the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act.

Mr Rothman always played down his role in the Derbyshire mass trespass, claiming that he was just one of many who fought for the right of the people to enjoy uncultivated countryside.

But tribute has been paid to him on a national scale.

Mr Rothman died in 2002 having continued to campaign and enjoy walking into his 80s, though in his final years he used a wheelchair following a stroke.

His book The Kinder Scout Trespass is a lasting testament.

Now another will be created with the unveiling of the blue plaque at his former home, 86 Crofton Avenue in Greater Manchester.

Mr Rothman's achievement through the mass trespass was only one part of a lifetime of political activity.

As a boy he read The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, which has been an introduction to socialism for many young people, before going on to join the Young Communist League and later the Communist Party.

He was arrested as a teenager for chalking the words "Look out for the Daily Worker - out January 1st 1930" on a pavement in Manchester.

Mr Rothman was also sacked for his politics on more than one occasion, during which time he walked and cycled and discovered a love of the countryside.

The blue plaque scheme is organised by Trafford Council's local studies department.

The department's Karen Cliff said: "The blue plaque is recognition of a lifetime's work and achievement."

The event took place yesterday at 2.30pm and his son Professor Harry Rothman will lead the ceremony, which is followed by a gathering at Timperley Library with a display about Mr Rothman's life.