Stories sought for map of cherished coastal gems

People are being asked for special memories and images of their favourite coastal landmarks to add to an interactive map celebrating the country's seaside heritage.

Historic England's map already features coastal gems such as the Art Deco Midland Hotel in Morecambe, Lancashire, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Big Dipper rollercoaster.

The Fort Perch Rock, built between 1825 and 1829 as a coastal defence battery to protect the Port of Liverpool in Wallasey, Wirral, is also included.

Historic England is inviting contributions including photographs, drawings, text or audio for its Missing Pieces project, which helps tell the story of coastal places that hold a special place in people's hearts.

The map celebrates nearly 300 years of seaside history, from the Grade II-listed Big Dipper rollercoaster to the Grade I-listed Blackpool Tower buildings as well as the Winter Gardens in Morecambe which first opened in 1897 and the nearby Midland Hotel.

It also includes the Grade II*-listed Fort Perch Rock, which is now home to a maritime and aviation museum, and Grade II-listed Seacombe Ferry Terminal in Wirral.

People are encouraged to submit photographs, drawings, written information or audio recordings about their cherished coastal landmarks.

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross urged everyone to contribute to the project "to preserve the history of our coastal towns and breathe new life into their future".

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said the full richness of the country's seaside heritage "cannot be captured without the first-hand accounts, images and memories of those who've experienced them".

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