New lighting to help highlight historic minster

New lighting is due to be installed at a historic church building to help showcase its architectural significance.

The scheme at Stoke Minster, in Stoke-on-Trent, is part of a joint project being run by church leaders and the city council.

The Grade II listed building is locally and nationally significant as the burial place of several generations of the Spode family, including world-renowned potter Josiah Wedgwood.

The current building was consecrated in 1830 and contains ceramic memorials to several local potters as well as a more recent memorial to local football legend Sir Stanley Matthews.

The minster currently hosts a range of community events and concerts alongside regular services.

The lighting improvements are set to be funded through a Home Office fund, aimed at deterring anti-social behaviour at the site.

It follows other recent improvements to the minster's grounds, including tree maintenance which was carried out in the autumn and upgraded lighting around the main entrance and doorway.

"Stoke Minster is an important historic landmark for our city and a place that means a great deal to the local community," said Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities.

"These improvements will not only showcase the building's beauty but also help create a safer and more welcoming space for everyone who visits or passes through the area."

Paul Adams, parish ward at Stoke Minster, added the project would help people appreciate the minster and ensure it remained "safe and welcoming".

"Stoke Minster has stood at the heart of the community for centuries, and we are delighted to be working in partnership to enhance the grounds and highlight this beautiful building," he said.

The next phase of the project will begin on 23 March.

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