SHOPPING centre bosses have hit back at claims that one of Stockton's most famous sons has been forgotten by the town.

But the Castlegate Centre admits that its bust commemorating the life of John Walker, inventor of the friction match, actually depicts the wrong man.

As reported in The Northern Echo earlier this week, Stockton Borough Council has been criticised for failing to pay tribute to the town's heritage as the birthplace of the railways.

Local historian Bob Harbron also bemoaned the lack of a permanent memorial to many of the town's most famous residents, including the cabinetmaker Thomas Sheraton, comic legend Will Hay and Mr Walker.

The bust that is supposed to depict Mr Walker, who lived in Stockton High Street and is buried in Norton Parish Churchyard, is on a plinth near one of the shopping centre's entrances.

It was erected in 1977 and the cost, nearly £1,400, was met by public donors

The largest donations came from match companies.

But a mix-up over portraits at the time meant the finished sculpture was actually of a different John Walker.

Centre manager John Clift said: "Although I'd agree wholeheartedly that, on the whole, there has been a failure to acknowledge the town's heritage, I would point out that this bust exists in the centre as a reminder of the man's place in history."

Mr Harbron said: "This bust is so hidden away in a corner near the entrance that I don't think you could say it was a fitting memorial."