The world's only memorial to the Luddites, who rose up against mill owners 200 years ago, was unveiled today at a park following a £30,000 refurbishment.

Sparrow Park, in Liversedge, has been created by Spen Valley Civic Society from derelict land, is just yards away from the Shears Inn in Halifax Road where the Luddites swore secret oaths and made plots.

The memorial shows a wool cropper in a defiant pose, with a child tugging at his apron.

An information board tells the story of the poverty-stricken local workers, whose livelihoods were put at risk by increasing mechanisation in mills.

Crowds, including people dressed as Luddites, gathered to watch the unveiling of the eight-foot stainless steel statue at a public ceremony.