A SPECIAL plaque has been unveiled to Calne's Harris bacon factory to recognise its contribution to the town.

Jim Smellie, 99, of Calne, a former factory transport boss unveiled the plaque on the new footbridge leading from Church Street to the Market Place.

The plaque is one of many put up by Calne Civic Society over the years.

Society spokesman Janet Griffin said the unveiling ceremony had rekindled a lot of memories.

"There were quite a few former Harris employees at the event and there was a lot of reminiscing at the reception afterwards.

"It was a very successful and jolly event which everyone enjoyed, especially Mr Smellie who is a real character," said Mrs Griffin.

Mr Smellie was joined by Calne town crier Sue Cleverley, Sheila Pragnell, chairman of the civic society, Dr Brian Hughes, a former manager at Harris's and district councillor for Calne, Tony Trotman.

"The plaque will serve as a small reminder of the extensive and varied employment afforded by the company for a period of 200 years," said Mrs Griffin.

Much of the work producing bacon, pork pies and sausages was carried out in the buildings alongside the River Marden and one surviving memory is of the large furnaces housed at the bottom of Church Street.

"The company was such an era in Calne it was only fitting to remember its work and the people," said Mrs Griffin.

The business arrived 200 years ago when John Harris and his mother Sarah set up a butcher's shop.The business closed in 1982 leaving hundreds of local people without work.