PLANS to celebrate the life of a Prudhoe-born Hollywood star have been put on hold.

Henry Travers is most famous for his portrayal of the angel, Clarence Odbody, in the well-loved film It’s A Wonderful Life.

The actor is believed to have been born in Prudhoe on March 5, 1875. Late last year it was suggested that a plaque be erected in the town, commemorating its famous son.

Although the idea met with a lukewarm response, it was placed on Prudhoe Town Council’s agenda by Coun. Jennifer McGee, who produced a birth certificate to prove the actor was indeed born in the town.

She suggested that a plaque be mounted in The Glade area of Prudhoe.

However, other councillors suggested there were other, more deserving, recipients of commemorative plaques, such as the late Ted Garrett, a member of Prudhoe Urban District Council, who went on to become MP for Wallsend.

Coun. Andy Gill said: “Nobody knows anything about Henry Travers, or has heard of him, and I think there are more people who have done things for Prudhoe.”

Coun. Bryan Futers added: “Henry Travers left the area when he was two years old.

“Why not put one up for Ted Garrett rather than for this guy who, if you ask people who he is, they don’t have a clue?”

Northumberland county councillor Tony Reid expressed his apprehension that, as Henry Travers also had an association with Berwick, the evidence would need to be firmed up before any action was taken.

Coun. McGee said: “I think if Prudhoe has something to shout about we should be shouting about it.

“This is about promoting the town and being proud of what the town has produced.”

Town council chairman, Coun. Eileen Burt proposed that more information regarding the plaque was needed before it was discussed again at a future meeting.