Donington hero Matthew Flinders is not due to return home until 2024

Donington's most famous son Matthew Flinders is not due to be returning to the village of his birth until 2024.

Members of Donington Parish Council were told during the meeting last night (Thursday) that ceremony will be delayed for three years to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the famous explorer's birth.

The remains of the explorer – who helped to map and name Australia – were recently discovered in London during the work on the HS2 rail project.

It was agreed that they could be re-interred at the St Mary and the Holy Rood Church in Donington, where he was baptised, and plans were in place for a large scale event last summer.

However, the coronavirus pandemic ensured that the event will have to wait – with the explorer’s remains still in the hands of HS2 for the time being.

Speaking at the meeting in Donington Church Hall Jane Pearson, from the Matthew Flinders Bring Him Home group and the parochial church council, said that Flinders was due to return in 2024.

She said: "We have been in contact with the Flinders family and Lincoln Cathedral and everyone is in agreement.

"It looks to be mid 2024 to coincide with the 250th anniversary of his birth."