A BAXENDEN man has launched a one-man campaign to get an Accrington "Hall of Fame."

Raymond Clark has been in touch with Hyndburn Sports Centre about setting up an area with photographs of Accrington's sporting greats.

"It came about because Brian Crompton, who captained the all-England polo team in 1968 and head coach of the Olympic swimming team, died recently," said Raymond.

"His family were good to me when I was younger and it is a shame no one remembered his achievements. And Eddie Keane, who was the 11 times Lancashire backstroke champion, also passed away.

"I just think it is sad that they have gone and no one will remember what they did. They were dedicated to their sports throughout their life and I just think a "Hall of Fame" would be a nice way to remember the local people and their achievements in whatever field.

"It will be ongoing with more names added to it and hopefully it will be an asset to the town. Visitors can come and see the sporting greats of Accrington."

Hyndburn Sports Centre are due to hold a meeting about it but it is in the early stages of development at the moment. Ray has come up with a list of names but would like people to write into the Observer with names and achievements of people not mentioned below.

CRICKET

David Lloyd, Graham Lloyd, Jack Simmons, Bob Ratcliffe, David Hughes, Graham Fowler, Ian Austin

FOOTBALL

Jackie Chew, David Dunn, Mike Duxbury, Brett Ormerod, Eric Whalley, Richard Chaplow, Walter Galbraith's Accrington Stanley team from late 1950's who were challenging for promotion into the Second Division. Seen as the greatest Stanley side - including Tom McQueen, Armour Ashe, Jimmy Harrower, Eddie Hunter, John Ryden, Joe Devlin, Archie Wright, Harold Bodle, Charlie Sneddon, Les Cocker, George Stewart, Bert Scott.

SWIMMING

Tommy Walker, Les Dean, Eddie Keane, Chris Goddard

ATHLETICS

Ron Hill, David Lewis, Amanda Thorpe, Kerry Gillibrand

WEIGHT LIFTING

Harry Hartley

HOCKEY

Valerie Robinson

  • ANYONE who has a name to add to help Ray, please write to Hall of Fame, Accrington Observer, 103 Blackburn Road, Accrington BB5 1JJ or e-mail: accringtonsports@gmwn.co.uk .