WHEN people think about Cleator Moor, they don't often think about Moroccan royalty. 

But over 100 years ago a boy was born in the town who would change the face of the African nation forever. This west Cumbrian man explored the globe and was made 'kaid' of Morocco. 

On April 17, 1882, Andrew Belton was born to Susannah and John Belton from Bowthorn Road. 

He was educated at the old St Patrick's School on Clock Hill but struggled to find employment upon leaving school. 

Two of his brothers, Patrick and John, were killed while serving in the military which made Andrew want to provide his service to the forces. However, he was only 17. 

He went to Penrith to enlist himself and gave his age as 20. After some training he was accepted into the army and went to fight in the Boer War. 

Despite only seeing a small amount of warfare, he impressed his superiors and was made captain. 

When he returned to England, he saw a newspaper appeal by prince Moulay Abdelhafid who wanted someone to lead a rebellion against sultan Abdul Affiz. 

Andrew immediately started his journey to Morocco. At the time travelling was difficult for him as a Christian man in an Arabic country and so he disguised himself as a Moorish woman. 

After proving himself to the prince, Andrew oversaw an army of tens of thousands. 

He led his army to success in battle which in turn lead to prince Moulay Abdelhafid being made the sultan of Morocco. 

Abdelhafid was so delighted with Andrew that he made him kaid, or commander of the nation. 

He stayed for some time until the French military arrived, and he was forced to leave the country. 

He went onto fight in World War I and was even given an audience with the pope. 

He lived all over the world in places like London, Canada, and South Africa. 

Many of his relatives are buried at St Mary's Church in Cleator Moor. Andrew himself passed away in 1970 and is buried in South Africa. 

This article used information gathered from LitlleIreland.co.uk.