FOR years, they were the forgotten victims.

But now a permanent memorial for those killed in the horrific Booth’s fire disaster 70 years ago is to take pride of place in Huddersfield.

Survivors and relatives of those who died in the tragedy have been hoping to secure a plaque to remember the 49 people who lost their lives when the blaze ripped through the H Booth and Sons clothing factory on October 31, 1941.

Now Tesco, which has its town centre store on the site of the factory, has backed the campaign and agreed to fund the tribute.

A memorial plaque will sit on the perimeter wall, which runs from the rear of the old Empire cinema to the junction of John William Street, and Viaduct Street.

Richard Heath set up the Booth’s Fire Commemoration Plaque Project last year, along with Keith Hanselman, who lost his younger brother in the blaze.

Richard believes the plaque will secure the event’s place in the town’s history.

“When Tesco contacted me to render their support it was like a godsend,” he said.

“With Kirklees Council fully behind the plans as well we can finally make this happen.

“The tragic loss of life at Booth’s clothing factory is part of our history.

“Its importance can never be understated.”

Mr Heath, from Heckmondwike, has a longstanding interest in the fire and last year held a meeting with survivors and relatives of the victims to discuss a lasting memorial.

“We began the campaign to mark the 70th anniversary of the event, and I started to think how the tragedy would soon be out of living memory as the last of the survivors were now in their 80s and 90s.

“We owe it to the victims, survivors, and those individuals who showed incredible bravery on that day not to let the event become forgotten.”

Clr Mehboob Khan, Leader of Kirklees Council welcomed the news that funding for the plaque had been secured.

He said: “It is important that Huddersfield remembers this sad point in its history and commemorates the lives of those who died, those who lost friends and relatives as well as acts of heroism in this terrible tragedy.

“As a council we are happy to be able to help place this memorial.”

Deborah Hayeems, Tesco’s corporate affairs manager added: “We’re very much part of the community in Huddersfield, and once we heard about Richard’s campaign we were more than happy to show our support.

“We want to help provide a fitting memorial for this tragic day in the town’s history.”

James Buckingham, manager of the Huddersfield store, added: “It’s great the fire is being remembered this way. I know everyone at the store is behind the plans for the plaque”.