A CAMPAIGN has been launched to get a memorial plaque erected to honour a local hero.

The two Liberal Democrat ward members for Zetland in Redcar are determined to secure the fitting tribute to Sir Rex Hunt, who shot to fame as the Governor of the Falkland Islands at the time of Argentinian invasion.

Sir Rex, who was born in Redcar and lived in retirement in Elton, near Stockton, will be remembered for his courage and dignity in facing the invasion.

Now, councilors Ron Harrison and Josh Mason want to mark his passing by securing the memorial plaque.

Councillor Harrison said: "Rex Hunt's service to Britain over a period of more than 40 years including the Second World War and the Falklands conflict, during which he displayed cool diplomatic skill and great courage before being taken prisoner, make him one of Redcar's heroes.

"Now that he is gone, we are determined that his name will live on in his home town. We are therefore looking to get some sort of plaque or other memorial built in one of Zetland Ward’s parks in his honour."

Born in the town's Laburnum Road in 1921, Rex Hunt joined the RAF near the end of the Second World War flying spitfires in India.

He left active service in 1948, received the rank of flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force Reserves in 1950, and relinquished the commission in 1953.

In 1952, he joined the Colonial and Diplomatic Service, and had his first foreign posting as district commissioner in Uganda in 1962. He served in Malaysia, Turkey and Indonesia. He was appointed consul-general at the British Embassy in Saigon in January 1974 and was there at the time of the fall of South Vietnam in 1975. From 1980 to 1985 he was governor of the Falkland Islands and high commissioner of the British Antarctic Territory.

Sir Rex was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1980, and knighted in 1982, in recognition of services during the Falklands War. He was a Freeman of the City of London, and a Freeman of Stanley, in the Falkland Islands.

Councillor Mason added: “It’s really important that we remember those who have contributed to Redcar’s rich history and culture. And provide a lasting monument to local heroes, past and present.”