THE placing of a blue plaque at a promenade shelter this weekend will reveal a slice of New Brighton's history that few in the resort are familiar with.

One hundred and sixty years ago an Italian Dr Dominic Joseph Poggi established New Brighton College on the site, which is adjacent to Vale Park.

The plaque discloses that at least one of the two sons of the great Italian liberator General Garibaldi were educated at the college, which burned down in October 1862.

After the fire the family were given shelter by a local magistrate - Mr Holland - who owned Vale House in the park.

Dr Poggi's great grandson David Collinson, from Heswall has provided the commemorative plaque which will be unveiled on Sunday by Wirral's deputy mayor Cllr Les Rowlands.

Several members of Dr Poggi's family will attend the promenade ceremony, which will be followed by the raising of a green flag at Vale Park to signify that the park and its management continue to satisfy strict EU standards.

"The occasion will be rounded off by a concert featuring the Ellesmere Port Concert Band and Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass Band."

Today, there will be a concert in the park by local band Jam.