Nominations are open to the public to vote for a person that they would like to see recognised with a prestigious blue plaque.

Historic England is opening up the public nomination system for a new national blue plaque scheme, which aims to highlight the stories of inspirational people from all walks of life.

Until July 19, people across the south west are invited to submit their nominations for the person they would most like to see recognised.

Since launching in September 2023 Historic England's national blue plaque scheme has unveiled plaques to pioneering nurse and midwife Daphne Steele in Ilkley and the pottery designer Clarice Cliff in Stoke-on-Trent.

Now people across Dorset and the further south west are encouraged to nominate a person who has mad a significant impact on human life.

To be eligible, the person being nominated must have died at least 20 years ago, have made a significant contribution to human welfare or happiness or who has made an exceptional impact in their field, community or on society at large.

The nominee must also have at least one building associated with them that survives from the time of their occupancy and where a plaque would be clearly visible from a public highway.

Blue plaques celebrate the relationship between people and places, for example where they were born, worked, lived or died and due to this, plaques need to be on surviving buildings where there is evidence of a meaningful connection with the person commemorated.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “Places across England have borne witness to extraordinary people who have contributed to human welfare and happiness, and/or who have made an exceptional impact in their field, community or on society at large.

“The actual places where this history has happened are special, but not always well known.

The next blue plaque outside London will be dedicated to the music icon, songwriter and humanitarian George Harrison.

George Harrison MBE was an English musician, singer and songwriter who achieved international fame as the lead guitarist of the Beatles.

For more information and to submit your nomination, visit: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/national-blue-plaque-scheme/.