THE grave of Britain's tallest ever man, buried in Blackburn Cemetery, is to have a makeover fit for a giant.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is organising the renovation at Roe Lee after beginning a search for famous graves in the town as part of plans to promote the borough.

Frederick Kempster stood at 8ft 4.5in, took size 22 shoes and weighed 27 stone.

He was born in London, but came to Blackburn in 1918 as part of his career travelling with fairs and as a one-man exhibition.

The 9ft grave has been left and forgotten over the last century.

His family all from London did not regularly attend it and it still has the original stone.

The British Giant's' parents were of normal height, and Frederick was the smallest in the family, until he began to grow when he reached age 12. In 1910 Fred , who was known for his kindness, joined a circus in Blackpool, and travelled to Germany before the First World War, where he appeared with a giantess four inches taller.

On the outbreak of war he was taken captive for two years and fell ill. On his release he continued his work but soon died of pneumonia aged just 29.

Fred died in Queens Park Hospital, where he took up three beds pushed together, and it took 14 men to lower his coffin into the grave at his burial.

He suffered from giantism a condition most commonly caused by over-production of the growth hormone somatotrophin and his exact height remains a matter for debate.

Alexandra Jones, from Bath, uncovered undertaker's records which he claims prove Fred was 8ft 4.5in tall - a British record.

Previous disputed pictorial evidence puts Fred at just over 7ft 8in - half an inch shorter than the British record holder William Bradley.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration said: "We are currently gathering a list of the borough's famous sons and daughters.

"We have already identified the giant's grave as one of these. We will shortly be carrying out some refurbishment."

l Are you a relative of Fred Kempster? Contact the Lancashire Evening Telegraph newsdesk on 01254 298205.