IN 1918 Suffragist Mary Elizabeth Barnes planted a tree in Farnworth Park to mark the passing of The Representation of the People Act when some women were granted the vote.

Next Saturday another tree will be planted in the park in her honour and to commemorate the centenary of women’s suffrage.

A special family fun day will be held in the park, with descendants of the social reformer, who lived from 1864-1942, attending the special celebration event at which a memorial will be unveiled.

The commemorative plaque will feature on a stone plinth near the entrance of the park opposite Farnworth Library, in Market Street.

And as a lasting legacy and to remember all those who champion equal rights, an annual Mary Barnes Inspirational Woman of Farnworth Award will be launched at the event to recognise women who are exceptional role models and make a positive impact on the local community.

Mrs Barnes is also featured in the national list of 100 Suffrage Pioneers.

Her story in the fight for women's right came to light recently after a visitor walked into Farnworth Library asking about the tree she had planted.

Julie Lamara said: "We had no idea why the tree had been planted and went through the minutes and found that it was to commemorate The Representative of the People of Act 1918. We knew little about her then, and now we have an event planned and a memorial to her."

There will be live music, games, children’s funfair rides, soft play inflatable, dance performances, remote control cars, crazy golf, a wishing tree, sports sessions and food and refreshments at the end.

Farnworth Library will also host activities on the day until 5pm, including storytelling, arts and crafts and a children’s polling station where participants can have their photo taken during ‘voting’.

In the run up to the event, the library is screening educational films about the suffragettes and running competitions with schools themed on "an inspirational woman in your life" or "a suffragette in your family".

On Thursday, there will be a free talk about Mary Barnes at 2pm.

The celebrations are being delivered by Bolton Council and Farnworth community representatives following a successful £34,500 bid to the Government Equalities Office Centenary Cities Grant Fund.

Bolton is one of seven areas to benefit from the £1.2 million fund, along with fellow ‘Centenary Cities’ Bristol, Leeds, Leicester, London, Manchester and Nottingham.

Bolton Council’s assistant director for neighbourhood and regulatory services, Kellie Hopkins, said: "We were delighted to be awarded this grant from the Centenary Fund and it has been inspiring to see the ideas evolve to create such a memorable event. As well as celebrating the achievements of local suffragist Mary Elizabeth Barnes through a series of local events and community engagement, the event should remind us all just how important it was that women gained the vote 100 years ago."

A Farnworth Suffragette Centenary Fund Grants Programme has been created to encourage innovative projects that promote community involvement and make a positive contribution to the lives of people in Farnworth and the surrounding areas.

The fund is administered by Bolton CVS and voluntary and community groups can apply for up to £1,000 by contacting the CVS on 01204 546010 or at info@boltoncvs.org.uk.

The event will run from 10am to 6pm.