The first six names for the City of Hamilton’s Walkway of Fame have been unveiled.

Celebrated musician Stan (Lord Necktie) Seymour, PALS founder Hilary Soares, educator Edwin Skinner and seamstress Hazel Christopher will each receive their own plaque on Court Street, while cousins and educators Edith and Matilda Crawford will share a plaque.

A Corporation spokeswoman said the six were chosen for their outstanding and valuable contributions to the Island.

“Individuals, groups or associations who have positively impacted the lives of people in Bermuda through their professional or volunteer work and who lived in Bermuda made up the eligibility requirements,” the spokeswoman said. “Anyone who has been acknowledged as a National Hero will automatically be put onto the Walkway of Fame list of nominees.”

The plaques are set to be installed at selected locations on Court Street later this year, with all of the honorees being celebrated at a ceremony in April.

“The objective is to create a walkway from Front Street along Court Street bringing residents and visitors into the area and to pay tribute to those who have made contributions to Bermuda as a whole,” the spokeswoman added. “The Walkway will also encourage and increase commerce and encourage more activity on Court Street.

“The Corporation of Hamilton would like to thank the Organising Committee as well as the Selection Committee for their roles in this very important initiative. The Corporation also thanks those members of the public who put forward the names of deserving nominees.”

Mayor Graeme Outerbridge said: “The Corporation is grateful to the two committees for their diligence and role in overseeing the establishment of the Walk of Fame. We congratulate and honour the first recipients that are being recognised this year and look forward to growing the honour role in the years to come.”

Mr Seymour, known as Bermuda’s King of Calypso, started a career in music at the age of 18, singing with the Milt Robinson Trio. He later joined The Coral Islanders, touring the Island’s hotels, and earned international attention performing in film and television.

As a singer, songwriter and composer, Mr Seymour is also credited with helping to create the international image of Bermuda as a tourist destination.

Ms Soares founded PALS, a charity which provides nursing assistance for patients with cancer at their homes. She also played a key role in the creation of Agape House, the Islands only hospice, and serves as the facility’s first director.

Mr Skinner founded the Howard Academy in 1944, tutoring students of all races from a home on #1 Tribe Road despite criticism for taking in and educating black children. The school grew until it had more than 60 students, but was forced to close due to a lack of funding.

Ms Christopher, a lifelong seamstress, spent ten hours a day, six days a week working at her Court Street business, In-Between Boutique. She was also a well-known figure in the Bermuda’s West Indian community and was described as a champion for the underdog.

Edith and Matilda Crawford were among the original founders of the Bermuda Union of Teachers in 1919.

Edith played a key role in the creation of the Central School in 1908, originally located in Alaska Hall. Both cousins later taught at the school when it moved to The Glebe Road in 1931. The school was later renamed after its first headteacher, Victor Scott.