A chair has been appointed to help shape how up to £20 million of government Pride in Place funding is invested in a Stoke-on-Trent area.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has announced that Catherine Kilvington has been appointed the chair for the new Meir North Pride in Place Board.

Selected following a competitive recruitment process, Catherine has more than 10 years of experience leading projects, managing change and bringing people together.

She will chair a board that brings together residents, businesses, community groups and local partners to identify local priorities and projects.

Catherine said: "I don't see this role as leading a community. I see it as standing alongside one. I can't wait to get started working with local people and helping to shape how this investment is spent.

"Stoke-on-Trent has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up spending a lot of time in the city and developed a real affection for its people.

"I have built strong relationships with families across Stoke-on-Trent, including Meir North, supporting parents, attending SEND coffee mornings, community fun days and contributing to wider conversations that help strengthen local communities.

"I will listen first, build trust, champion local voices and help turn ideas into positive action so that Meir North continues to be a place people are proud to call home."

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The board aims to ensure that local people have a strong voice in decisions about future improvements to their area.

Meir North is one of three areas in the city selected by government to receive up to £20 million of Pride in Place funding to build better, safer neighbourhoods in a way that builds pride, brings people together and creates brighter futures for everyone.

Councillor Lauren Davison, ward member for Meir North, said: "The success of Pride in Place depends on local people having a genuine say in how investment is used.

"The new board will play an important role in bringing together residents, community groups and partners, so we're pleased that Catherine has agreed to take on the role of chair.

"I look forward to working together to ensure this investment delivers real benefits for Meir North."

Catherine has lived in Stoke-on-Trent and grew up in and around the city, including working in broadcasting on Signal 1.

The city council said through her work with families and community groups, she has built strong relationships across local areas, including Meir North.

Her SEND advocacy and parent support work has also seen her work closely with families across Stoke-on-Trent - including helping them navigate complex systems, attending local coffee mornings and community events, and ensuring parents and carers feel empowered and connected.

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Dr Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said: "I'm delighted to see the Meir North Pride in Place Board now being established. The Board will bring local people right into the heart of the conversation about what comes next for Meir North.

"I'm also pleased that Catherine has been appointed as Chair. She brings a real passion for community engagement and a strong track record of working with local people, and I know she'll do a fantastic job bringing voices together as the Board begins its work."

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "I'd like to congratulate Catherine on her appointment and I'm confident she'll do an excellent job empowering the local community to drive this programme forward.

"Pride in Place is about helping communities take back control. It's about putting communities first - giving local people the power and flexibility to shape their future, backed by long-term funding and the support they need to create lasting change."

To find out more about the programme and to get involved, visit the website here.