Stars come out to celebrate the life of black footballer and war hero on Monday 10th November 2008 for a musical performance and exhibition.

Walter Tull

Stars come out to celebrate the life of black footballer and war hero on Monday 10th November 2008

Stars of film, TV and sport will come together for a night of entertainment celebrating the life of one of Britain's first black footballers, Walter Tull. BBC sports presenter Garth Crooks, Kidulthood movie actress Red Madrell, former West Ham player Bobby Barnes and a host of other famous faces are set to attend the evening, which marks the 90th anniversary of Walter Tull's death. Tull's great niece is also set to attend.

Tull, the grandson of slaves, started life in a Methodist orphanage but went on to enjoy a highly successful football career playing for Northampton Town and Tottenham Hotspur. He was also the first black officer in the British Army as well as the first black officer to lead white troops into battle in the First World War. For his bravery, he was recommended the Military Cross and died a hero in the last Battle of the Somme in 1918 aged 29.

The evening, which is to be held at the grand Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, will see the opening of a national exhibition based on the life of Tull.

A musical based on the role model's life will also be performed by pupils from St Vincent De Paul primary school in Westminster.

It is one of a series of activities in the 'Crossing the White Line' project for which Westminster Council's Archives was awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of almost £50,000. Funding was also provided by Professional Footballers Association and Kick it Out 'Weeks of Action'.

Councillor Audrey Lewis, Westminster's cabinet member for customers and neighbourhoods, said: "We are grateful for the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and this performance and exhibition will take Walter Tull's story to the wider audience that it deserves. "

"Tull showed extraordinary courage often in the face of great adversity and is undoubtedly an inspirational role model for the young people of today."

The Crossing the White Line project aims to celebrate the short but historically significant life of Walter Tull, broaden people's understanding of Britain's multi-ethnic past and attract interest from a wider cross-cultural audience.

Four other Westminster schools - St Matthew's, St Saviour's, St Barnabas and St Peter's Eaton Square - are also involved in the project.

The performance at Methodist Central Hall starts at 6pm on 10th November. The exhibition is open from 5pm

For more information on the Crossing the White Line project visit www.crossingthewhiteline.com

The exhibition is open from 5pm and the musical performance begins at 6pm.

Images courtesy of Phil Vasili / Finlayson Family Collection.