Maryport is to honour the United Kingdom's first Black policeman, the local son of a former slave.

The local council, backed by the Black Police Association, is to discuss how to mark John Kent's life at a meeting next week.

This follows news that Ray Greenhow, the author whose research proved that Mr Kent worked in Maryport for two years before joining the Carlisle constabulary despite former claims that he started his career in the city.

Mr Greenhow will be giving a talk at the Settlement on Castle Hill next month.

Dolly Daniel, organising the meeting, sent a copy of Mr Greenhow's book to the town council and chairman Petr Kendall said he was "very excited" about it.

He said something must be done to honour people like John Kent and VC winner Ned Smith.

"I am going to suggest we look at a blue plaque scheme for the town so that we can recognise these remarkable people," he said.

Tola Munro, President of the Black Police Association said he has visited Maryport and is delighted to endorse the council plans.

"Black officers are still under represented in the force," he said.

"Cumbria has less that one percent of non-White police officers and it is important to look at their history."

Mr Greenhow, author of the book, said the story of John Kent was fascinating.

His father, Thomas, is believed to have been a freed slave working as servant for Maryport's powerful Senhouse family. Thomas had three children and two of his sons remained in the town.

John Kent moved to Longtown where he married.

Mr Greenhow said it appeared he may have lodged with one of his brothers, either on Furnace Road or Kirkby Street during his two years as a policeman in the town from 1835 to 1837.

He was well thought off, apparently, and there seemed to be little concern about his colour.

What he is famous for is one of his early arrests.

It seems that a citizen took on a one shilling bet (about 10p) that he could run around Maryport naked for one hour.

He did not make it because he was arrested and put in the lock-up.

The man was convicted and sentenced to eight months hard labour.

Mr Greenhow will be at the Settlement on Thursday March 21, at 7pm. Admission is £5.