Benny Rothman's son and daughter Professor Harry Rothman and Marion Thilo at the unveiling of a blue plaque at his former home

Guests at the unveiling of a blue plaque to the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass leader Benny Rothman paid tributes to the man viewed by many as a prime mover in the fight for public access to Britain’s uplands.

About 50 relatives, ramblers, friends and former neighbours gathered outside the suburban house in Crofton Avenue, Timperley, in Greater Manchester to unveil the plaque and recall Mr Rothman’s tireless campaigning for access to the countryside.

The unveiling of the plaque was performed by Benny’s son, Professor Harry Rothman, formerly of Manchester and Aston Universities, and his daughter, Marion Thilo.

The pair recalled their childhood days in Crofton Avenue.

Prof Rothman said: “I think people in this street would remember Benny most for his ability to shout to me to come home for my dinner.

“Like father like son, I did tend to wander off.”

Ms Thilo recalled her father’s interest in natural history. “When everyone else went to church in their Sunday best, Dad was taking us out into the countryside in our walking gear,” she said.

Jerry Pearlman, a vice-president of the Ramblers, said for many years, Benny Rothman had been ‘an utter hero’ to him.

“He caused me to get interested in the access movement, and was responsible for organising the Mass Trespass on Kinder Scout, which was the catalyst for all we’ve achieved since,” he added.

Roly Smith, representing the Kinder and High Peak Advisory Committee which organised the Kinder 80 celebrations in April, reminded the audience that Benny’s involvement in fighting for access and the countryside did not end 80 years ago with the trespass.

Walkers now enjoy access the summit plateau of Kinder Scout

He said: “He continued to campaign on various environmental issues, including water privatisation, the third runway at Manchester Airport, the military use of the Holcombe Moor, and the many threats to the national parks.”

The plaque was erected by Trafford Council, and bears the inscription: “Bernard ‘Benny’ Rothman (1911-2002), Environmental and Access Campaigner, who lived here for over 50 years.

Councillor Jonathan Coupe, executive member for safe, strong communities for Trafford Council, said: “We are so very proud that this plaque is being unveiled here in Timperley.

“To have such a plaque in your name means you have made a big impression on society. It’s because of Mr Rothman that we are able to enjoy our countryside as freely as we can today.”