A DESCENDANT of the Tolpuddle Martyrs has hit out at the annual rally organised in honour of the working class heroes.

Villager Nigel Pitman is the great-great nephew of James Hammett, one of six labourers transported to Australia in 1834 after forming what effectively became the first trade union.

The 38-year-old engineer, who lives in Main Road, dismissed claims by organisers that the festival held at the weekend was the biggest and best ever.

He also said that revellers were in danger of losing sight of the festival's original purpose, to celebrate sacrifices made by the martyrs.

He said: "People have forgotten what they are really here for to begin with, and it has been turned into a three-day music festival which is the wrong thing for the village. "I thought this year's festival was very subdued in terms of remembering what it is supposed to be about.

"I don't think you can say it was the best ever just because it has turned into a three-day music festival."

Mike Pearce, district councillor for the village, said the festival was welcomed by villagers and served to put them on the map.

Mr Pearce, 62, who lives in neighbouring Puddletown, said: "I think generally the festival is a good thing for the village and the people who visit it.

"I hope that it grows bigger and better every year because it is well-organised and well-attended, and means more and more people are remembering the Martyrs.

"I was in the village the day after the festival and they had not left any mess, and everything was back to normal. The only complaint I have is that not enough young people attend."

A spokesman for festival organisers, the South West TUC, also dismissed claims that the Martyrs were being forgotten.

Tim Lezard said: "We have not lost sight of the original point to the festival at all.

"Every speaker this weekend mentioned the martyrs and how important it is to remember them.

"They even laid a wreath at James Hammett's grave as a mark of respect.

"Music does not overshadow the festival, it has always been a mix of music and politics.

"The fact that more and more people are coming to attend means that trade unions are becoming more relevant and that is thanks to the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

"We even had a marquee named after them."