A INFAMOUS riot between Irish immigrants and disgruntled iron workers has been commemorated with a new plinth.

The Battle of Blue Heaps saw at least one Irish navvy lose his life in a day of riot and bloodshed in 1858.

Long-since passed into folklore in Derwentside, the mass brawl took place at Blue Heap, in Consett, after tensions had simmered between locals and Irish workers for years.

Now a popular beauty spot, and home to at least one species of rare plant, a plinth telling the tale of its chequered history was unveiled yesterday.

Designed in the form of a steel press, as used at Consett Steel Works, the plinth features details of environmental improvements by Acorn Trust, which has improved access, built steps, footpaths and seating and managed the natural habitat there.

Leader of Derwentside District Council, Councillor Alex Watson, said the Battle of Blue Heaps was still talked about in Consett.

"It was a battle that resulted in one or two deaths and the people of this town have not forgotten. Tension had been building up for a long time between Irish immigrants and local people and it just exploded one day in 1858.

"Consett has many descendants of Irish workers, so this plinth will mean a lot to them."