SCHOOLCHILDREN will celebrate the lasting legacy of Dr Samuel Taylor Chadwick.

Hundreds of primary school children will congregate on Victoria Square at the statue of the historic figure to mark 150 years since the foundation of The Chadwick Educational Foundation in 1868, which supported the establishment of the former Chadwick Orphanage and social housing — much of which is still in use to this day. His legacy still supports local schools.

The children will walk from the Victoria Hall onto Victoria Square on June 27 at 2pm and congregate around the statue and the memorial plaque to his wife Ann Chadwick.

The Vicar of Bolton will join 250 Year Six primary school children from Clarendon Primary, Church Road Primary, Johnson Fold Primary, Tonge Moor Primary and St Thomas’ CE Halliwell as they sing a newly-composed song.

The event marks the 150th anniversary of an endowment for the building of model housing for the working poor of Bolton — which the charity still owns and rents today — and the building of an orphanage.

The orphanage closed its doors in the 1940s and, with the proceeds from the sale of the building and land, the charity was able to continue supporting young people.

In the last eight years, the Chadwick Educational Foundation has given £1 million to local primary schools to support a huge array of projects, including supporting libraries, funding outdoor equipment and equipping a kitchen.

The children will be performing a new piece of drama with songs the following day.

Entitled The Remarkable Gifts of Dr and Mrs Chadwick written by David Coggins with music composed by Eve Harrison.

The drama charts the lives of the Bolton philanthropists and shares what the local children have learnt about the good doctor and his wife.

Project manager, Amy Liptrott, said: "This remarkable project is a unique opportunity to bring the history of Bolton to life for children from across the town. It was conceived as a celebration of the lives of Dr Chadwick and his wife and the incredible legacy they left, which still continues.

"They were dedicated to supporting those in need of assistance, and were ahead of their time in ensuring there would be longevity to what they did."