MAJOR plans have been unveiled to celebrate the centenary of an industrialist, philanthropist and patron of the arts from Leek.

The centenary of Sir Thomas Wardle's death, at the age of 78, will be marked throughout this year by a programme of activities and events funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Named the Wardle Centenary Project it will aim to highlight the work of the Victorian industrialist who was an important figure in the local textile industry in the 19th century.

He was strongly associated with internationally famous designers such as William Morris.

He was a patron of the arts and supported the work of his wife, Elizabeth, who founded the renowned Leek Embroidery Society.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has provided £49,600 towards the celebrations and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is on the look-out for a project co-ordinator with a salary of £11,000. Councillor Mark Deaville, portfolio holder for leisure, sport and culture on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: "Sir Thomas Wardle, pictured, was a celebrated industrialist, philanthropist and patron of the arts.

"He worked in Leek and Macclesfield, and was renowned for developing dyeing and printing techniques which were fundamental to the designs of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement.

"His wife, Elizabeth, was also a significant figure. She was a leading light in Leek Embroidery Society, which produced famous works including a unique reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry, which is now housed in Reading Museum."

A community-based Thomas Wardle steering group has asked the authority, as one of its partners, to recruit a project co-ordinator who will be responsible for effectively delivering a programme of events to raise awareness locally and nationally of the life and work of Sir Thomas and Elizabeth. The project co-ordinator's post will run to next January and will be funded by a Heritage Lottery Grant of £49,600.

The successful applicant will work closely with partners including historical groups and schools to create a legacy which will promote appreciation of the Wardles locally and attract visitors.

A spokesman for the steering group said: "The events will begin in March with conservation workshops for churches and residents who own Wardle textiles. There will be an exhibition in the summer, complemented by guided walks which examine Thomas's influence on the architecture of Leek.

"Certain textiles will be kept on permanent exhibition when the programme ends while some of the town centre walking leaflets will be redesigned to incorporate a Sir Thomas Wardle walk. Other commemorations around the country will include events in Macclesfield and Manchester".