Just as York has Guy Fawkes, so Colchester has John Ball.

Now, at last, the borough plans to celebrate its own radical revolutionary.

Campaigners have achieved a £2,500 grant from Colchester council to mark its first John Ball Day.

The event on Saturday July 15 coincides with the anniversary of his execution in 1381.

History teacher David Grocott has campaigned for several years for Colchester to mark its most famous son- whose only recognition is a street called John Ball Walk.

He explained: “I initiated the idea of a lasting memorial like a sculpture. As I started to gather support some people came up with the idea for an event to celebrate the ideas of John Ball.

“The idea is John Ball Day will coincide with the anniversary of his execution, which conveniently falls on a Saturday. We are going to have a John Ball Day to celebrate equality, which is what he was about.”

Details have yet to be finalised, but David expects a series of events including music and a museum exhibition.

“The day will draw people to the fact that John Ball was from Colchester and it will kick off our search for a sculptor to create a design.”

“We could just want to have a sculpture on a pedestal, we want something that’s alive, a relevant event taking place, an active celebration of equality.”

On July 15 1381 John Ball was hung, drawn and quartered- cut into four pieces for his beliefs.

“He was the first person in the Western political thought to say people should be treated equally and he came from Colchester. It makes sense to have a statue but we can do more.”

The John Ball Society has 700 supporters signed up on Facebook and 2,000 signed a petition for Colchester Council to support a memorial for the folk hero.

But now David is keen to get people formally on board and help him bring the day to fruition.

He plans an AGM on March 14 for the society to elect a chair, treasurer and other posts.

Colchester Council has awarded £2,500 towards the day and the statue.

Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for culture and regeneration Tim Young called John Ball “the founder of equality, a man ahead of his time.”

“It’s time Colchester claimed him as one of our own. I support David and his team in raising his profile.”

The Labour councillor said John Ball Day should be an enjoyable event and one that should attract tourists.

He added: “York has Guy Fawkes, Colchester has John Ball.”

Details of the AGM can be found at www.johnballsociety.org or via its Facebook group ‘Lets Put Up a Statue’ to John Ball in Colchester.