THE anniversary of the death of a Trowbridge industrial martyr hanged 200 years ago will be commemorated at his graveside tomorrow.

Thomas Helliker died on his 19th birthday, after being accused of involvement in anti-machinery rioting in Semington during the industrial revolution.

Jeff Osborn of Trowbridge Town Council said: "He is an important figure in the town's history and I think it is important that it doesn't go without being marked."

Helliker was tried and later hanged on March 22, 1803, after which his fellow cloth workers claimed his body and carried it back across Salisbury plain to Trowbridge.

He is buried in the churchyard at St James' Church and on his tombstone is a tribute from cloth workers across the country, who adopted him as a symbol of their struggles in hugely-changing times.

Town councillors and members of the public will join TUC representative Nigel Costly, who will give a memorial address, at the graveside at noon tomorrow.

The town council are considering holding an annual memorial event in the town in future years. Options being considered include a plaque or a town procession.