A CAMPAIGN to renovate a memorial to one of Bolton's best loved literary sons is gathering pace in Blackpool.

Charles Allen Clarke, who was born in Bolton in 1863 and eventually edited the Blackpool Echo, became famous for his Lancashire dialect humour.

His numerous writings included the hugely successful Teddy Ashton's Journal, novels, poems and articles.

And right up to his death in 1935 he was writing a weekly column for the Bolton Evening News under the pen name "Old Boltonian."

After he died the ancient Little Marton Mill in Blackpool was given to the council by a friend as a permanent memorial.

But in recent years the windmill, one of the first sights visitors come across on entering the seaside town, has been locked and covered in graffiti.

A memorial plaque once on the outside is now inside the building, which is only used to store scout equipment.

Now Mr Clarke's grand-daughter Shirley Currie, who lives in Blackpool is gathering support for the windmill to be re-painted and opened to the public as a museum dedicated to the life and work of her famous relative.

"It was supposed to be a shrine to my grandfather. It is beautiful inside but no one can see it," she said.

"There are lots of people around Blackpool who would donate items of memorabilia."

Shirley, aged 55, feels especially close to her grandfather, even though she doesn't remember him, as he is the subject of her dissertation for an English degree. And she eventually hopes to publish a biography of the man.

As much of his early life was spent in Bolton she is hoping BEN readers might be able to help with any information about him and his wife, Eliza.

"I am really putting my heart and soul into it," she said.

"I would really love to meet any other relatives he has in Bolton."

Allen Clarke was born into a humble millworker's household, but despite showing excellent promise at school he was sent to work in the mills at the age of 13.

He resumed his education the year after, winning certificates and scholarships.

After a spell of teaching he set his sights on journalism and when there was no reporting vacancy at the Bolton Evening News he set up his own publications.

He also wrote novels and eventually moved to Blackpool, dying aged 72, leaving a daughter and three sons.

There are now moves to try and get one of his works, "Windmill Land", which describes the Fylde area, republished.

Anyone who can help Shirley with the windmill campaign or information about her grandfather can contact her at 14 Primrose Avenue, South Shore, Blackpool FY4 2LJ or ring 01253 408650.