THE memory of a trades union martyr who was executed 200 years ago was honoured in Trowbridge on Saturday.

About 50 people gathered at the grave of Thomas Helliker in St James' churchyard, including union representatives and local dignitaries.

Town councillor Jeff Osborn said: "Thomas Helliker is a part of Trow-bridge history but a lot of people might walk past his grave without knowing it was there. This was a fitting event to commemorate his life."

Helliker was hanged in Salisbury on his 19th birthday, accused of taking part in anti-machinery riots in Semington in the turbulent times of the industrial revolution.

He was later proclaimed innocent of any crime and was adopted by the trade unions as a symbol of their struggle through difficult times.

John Gray, chairman of the South West TUC and Sam Selman, secretary of the West Wilts Trade Union Council, both paid tributes at Saturday's ceremony. Speakers also included mayor Andrew Bryant, Canon Chris Brown and Cllr Osborn.

Among those gathered to pay tribute were members of the 6th Trowbridge cubs, who have been learning about Helliker as part of a project about local history.

The town council hopes to have a permanent memorial to Helliker in Trowbridge and is considering options including a plaque and a parade through the town centre.