An interactive heritage trail which highlights Stoke-on-Trent's rich history is has been officially launched as part of the city's Centenary celebrations.

The trail showcases seven culturally significant locations between Stoke and Hanley, which has been developed along the new route, with a brand-new map and digital app. 

The Living Heritage City Project was first unveiled in 2023 as a two-year pilot scheme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Stoke-on-Trent's Lord Mayor and heritage champion, Councillor Lyn Sharpe, said: "Our Centenary year is a year to celebrate our wonderful city and everything that makes it what it is, and that includes our rich history."

Starting at Spode Works, the route – which takes just over one hour to complete on foot - takes in important aspects of Stoke-on-Trent's heritage such as Stoke Minster, Winton Square, Beresford Street, Hanley Park and St Marks Church in Shelton before ending at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

The app includes interactive videos and audio which navigates users through the heritage locations along the trail and shares stories from the local community. 

The app will be available alongside a newly-illustrated map which has been designed by local artist Kidda Kinsey. (SOT CC)

Cllr Sharpe added: "We'd like to thank all of our residents and partners who have walked the heritage trail and helped us to develop it over the last two years - we've had some great feedback. 

"I would encourage anyone who hasn't experienced it yet to try and find some time to do it. You won't regret it."

Thanks to funding secured from Arts Council England, local cultural and heritage organisations have developed other additional trails along the route, allowing people to fully explore stories and extra content which have been created to complement the pilot trail.

Anna Francis, of The Friends of Spode Rose Garden, said: "We have loved leading a series of walks from the garden up to the Potteries Museum. 

"We are so pleased to be able to unearth such rich stories of our city and the connections between ceramics and gardens through the new app. 

"We are sure people will love exploring the city with this great new resource."

Lois Bateman, hub manager at National Literacy Trust Stoke-on-Trent, said: "It's been a privilege to be part of the Living Heritage project with our new Story Quest in Hanley. 

"Our bespoke story trails, set in familiar places within the community, make reading a story out loud a fun, playful, and interactive experience."

The app is available from the App Store and Google Play Store and more information about the Living Heritage City Trail can be found here. 

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