A NEW initiative that aims to shine a light on the unrecognised figures of Cornish history has launched this week to honour those who have made significant contributions to the Duchy.

Pobel a Gernow (People of Cornwall) aims to extend the work undertaken by numerous Cornish town plaque schemes into a Cornwall-wide initiative.

The scheme will see previously overlooked people who have made a significant impact on Cornish history, celebrated with plaques to commemorate their achievements installed on buildings that are important to their stories.

This scheme is a partnership initiative of Cornwall Heritage Trust, Gorsedh Kernow and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies.

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Nev Meek, President of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies said: “Many of the people who have made fantastic contributions to Cornwall, have largely gone unrecognised.

“This scheme is so important because it will allow communities to really engage with their heritage and celebrate their heroes.

“We look forward to many new stories emerging of great Cornish endeavour.”

Pol Hodge, Grand Bard of Gorsedh Kernow said: “Poblow a Gernow is the real story of the people of Cornwall told by the people of Cornwall.”

Cathy Woolcock, CEO of Cornwall Heritage Trust said: “There has been so much great work done by existing town plaque schemes across Cornwall and we’re incredibly excited to be able to build on that.

“There are so many people who have made truly unique contributions to Cornwall’s history. These people haven’t just impacted our culture and heritage, all often they have made Cornwall world-leading, and their stories need to be told.”

Nominations for the Pobel a Gernow scheme can be submitted at: www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/pobel-a-ge rnow-plaques-scheme/