Londoners are celebrating the unveiling of a blue plaque honoring Claudia Jones, a pivotal figure in the founding of the Notting Hill Carnival. They are now invited to submit nominations for

English Heritage's commemorative blue plaque scheme.

Organisers are eager to hear about inspirational individuals from all walks of life, especially those whose stories have been hidden or forgotten. Duncan Wilson, the Chief Executive of Historic England, highlighted the plaques' power to inspire local pride for generations.

Nominations are open until 19 July. To mark the opening of the eight-week nomination period, a plaque was unveiled for music icon George Harrison at his birthplace in Wavertree, Liverpool.

To be eligible for a plaque, nominees must meet the following criteria:

- Have died at least 20 years ago

- Made a significant contribution to human welfare or happiness and/or had an exceptional impact in their field, community, or society

- Have at least one surviving building associated with them where a plaque can be placed and seen from a public highway

English Heritage manages the blue plaque scheme in London, while Historic England oversees the national scheme outside the capital.

Duncan Wilson added, "Places across England have witnessed extraordinary people who have contributed to human welfare and happiness. These locations are special, yet not always well known."

In September, Historic England launched its national blue plaque scheme, unveiling plaques for nurse and midwife Daphne Steele in Ilkley and pottery designer Clarice Cliff in Stoke-on-Trent. The national program aims to help more people celebrate their heritage. Photo by Kevin Gordon, Wikimedia commons.