New blue plaque for Hinckley veteran and boxer

His blue plaque is now proudly displayed in Hinckley's Holliers Walk Druid car park.

He was born in Spring Gardens, Hinckley, at the bottom of Holliers Walk in 1889. He was a pupil at St Peter's School and was a keen boxer in his youth.

His blue plaque is now proudly displayed in Hinckley's Holliers Walk Druid car park.

In the boxing ring, he regularly challenged colleagues at the hosiery factory where he worked (now Concordia Theatre). He had a natural talent for the sport.

He joined the army in 1905 and was posted to India, where his boxing career took off while serving, winning prestigious titles along the way.

Bolesworth returned home in 1912 and joined the army reserve. He soon earned a top reputation in the Midlands boxing scene.

When the First World War broke out in 1914, Sydney re-joined the Army. He overcame multiple injuries over the next couple of years and lost his life in action on 1 October 1917 in Ypres, Belgium. His body was never recovered, and his name is on the famous Tyne Cot memorial.

Cllr Paul Williams, Heritage Champion at the Borough Council, said: "The blue plaque scheme is a wonderful way for us to commemorate those who have made Hinckley and Bosworth proud in years gone by.

"It's great that we have been able to honour Sydney Bolesworth in this way. Make sure to look out for the plaque next time you're passing by, as well as the others around the town.

“My thanks go to local historian Greg Drozdz for nominating Sydney for a blue plaque.”