Calls for Wilberforce statue to light up Hull

Gifty Burrows, who's set up a campaign to light up the William Wilberforce monument in Hull as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations in 2017, says she's had great support from the city so far.

The Hull College lecturer, who moved to Hull from Ghana when she was a little girl, says it's vital that Wilberforce's legacy is remembered:

A campaign has been set up in Hull to light up the William Wilberforce monument as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.

Organisers say it is the perfect opportunity to educate people about Wilberforce, who was the leader of the movement to abolish slavery.

Fiona Dwyer reports:

Jon Pywell, the lead officer for the Hull City of Culture project, says he's confident the campaign to light up the William Wilberforce statue will receive significant support.

The campaign has recently been set up to illuminate the 102 foot monument during the whole of the UK City of Culture year in 2017.

Organiser of the William Wilberforce Fund, Gifty Burrows, says it will be a symbolic gesture to raise awareness of past and modern day slavery.

There are calls for William Wilberforce monument outside Hull College to be lit up for the UK City of Culture celebrations in 2017.

Organisers want it to be lit up for the whole year to honour the city's famous son, who was the leader of the abolition of slavery movement.

They think it will help to educate people about who he was and show off Hull's heritage.