Students got to hear the story of a Weymouth social crusader in a recent talk to mark Black History Month. 

Carl Whitehouse, of the Thomas Fowell Buxton Society, delivered a history presentation to year 8 students from Wey Valley Academy about Thomas Fowell Buxton.

Sir Thomas was MP for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis and led the parliamentary party in the abolition of slavery in the British Dominions.

The Act of Parliament abolishing slavery was achieved in August 1833 and came into effect on August 1, 1834.

During the talk, Mr Whitehouse contextualised the period of the slave trade with reference to Buxton's Weymouth origin. 

Carl Whitehouse giving a history talk to Wey Valley Academy studentsCarl Whitehouse giving a history talk to Wey Valley Academy students (Image: Wey Valley Academy)

He also informed students about the town's Buxton Memorial Monument in Netherton Road. 

One student said: "This was such an interesting talk and we are studying the abolition of slavery in our history lessons."

Head of performing arts, Mark Damon Chutter, said: "My thanks to Mr Whitehouse and to the Buxton Society for this talk to celebrate Black History Month - it has really inspired our students."