The lifelong work of a Wigton man who dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate will be honoured at a beloved local theatre.

In 2014, during renovation works at the John Peel Theatre, a white marble memorial stone was uncovered.

For five years, the team at the Theatre in Wigton have been trying to make sense of the stone that bore few details aside from his initials and the year he died.

After a great deal of research, with help from people on Facebook, the charitable life of William Carrick has been revealed.

The memorial stone was commissioned by members of the local Salvation Army corps following Mr Carrick’s death in 1888.

As they were unable to attend his burial in Kent, nor were they able to mourn him at an actual grave, they decided to have a marble memorial stone made for him.

Connie Jensen, chairwoman of Wigton Theatre Club, said: “We plan to install it in the wall of the auditorium and finally honour William in the building which he founded.”

The building that has become the John Peel Theatre was previously used by the Salvation Army as a citadel until it was sold in 1964.

She added: “We have often wondered why the floor of the building was raked: perhaps it was better for a building that was used for concerts and choirs, for religious services and for teas.”

“We like to think that ‘Our William’ would approve of what the Mission has become- a place for community theatre and music.”

Mr Carrick led a life filled with good will, travelling across Cumbria to raise money for charity while being an active evangelist.

As a solicitor he used his skills and expertise to help those less fortunate than himself by doing pro-bono work for poor people.

He was also a member of the Wigton Salvation Army Corps and regularly took part in group meetings - through both speaking and singing.

An article published in the Maryport Advertiser in April 1982 wrote: “Mr. William Carrick, solicitor, took part in the meeting at night, and sang a solo from the Salvation Army hymn book.”

Mel Scoulding, Carlisle Salvation Army minister captain, said: “We’re pleased to hear that the John Peel Theatre is recognising the life and ministry of Salvationist William Carrick.

“Mr Carrick was an early convert who believed in putting faith into action.

“He quit his life of ‘gambling and revelry’ to spend the rest of his years reaching out to those in dire need, telling them about the difference God had made to his life.”

“Today, as then, The Salvation Army continues to demonstrate this faith in action in its practical support to the community throughout Carlisle and the surrounding areas.”

By all accounts, he had never been a particularly strong man and was blind in one eye.

He was well-respected within the local community for the work that he went on to do within the ministry.

Mr Carrick died whilst working for General Booths in London - he was buried far from home with only his brother to attend his funeral.

The theatre is looking for local members of the Salvation Army to attend a commemoration of his life.