HALESOWEN Civic Society has unveiled its first blue heritage commemorative plaque.

The society chose Leasowes Walled Garden for the site of the blue plaque which commemorates William Shenstone's iconic gardens which date back to 1776.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris, a founding member of the civic society, officially unveiled the plaque.

He said: "It is fitting that the Leasowes Walled Garden was chosen to be the first as it represents everything that is good about Halesowen.

"The dedication and hard work of the volunteers, and the unique beauty of the garden. I hope this is the first of many more blue plaques which celebrate our local heritage."

Civic Society founder members include Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris, Halesowen councillors Ian Cooper and Alan Taylor, Cornbow Centre manager Eve O’Connor, Leasowes Walled Garden and Abbey Trust founders Carol and Mick Freer, Halesowen College principal Keith Bate, and college community participation director, Elaine Cammies.

Chairman of the society Mrs Cammies said: "We want to commemorate a link between a location and a famous person or event, serving as an historical marker.

"The world’s first blue plaques were erected in London, in the nineteenth century to mark the homes and workplaces of famous people and his original scheme still survives today and is administered by English Heritage.

"Halesowen Civic Society has plans to erect town plaques to commemorate and raise awareness of Halesowen’s history and heritage."

The society has pinpointed other famous Halesowen sites which it believes should be commemorated with a plaque.

These include Telford's Bridge, Somers Square, St John the Baptist Church, Ivy House, Whitefriars, St Mary's Abbey and Lutley Mill.