PEOPLE are invited to join a heritage trail in St Helens as part of the Borough of Culture 2023 celebrations.

Rotary St Helens in partnership with St Helens Council is inviting people to attend a short heritage trail walk around the town centre.

The walk, which is open to all ages and will last a maximum of two hours, will start from the historical heart of St Helens in Church Square at 11am on Saturday, September 16.

Journey of discovery

The Heritage Trail walk will take people on a journey of discovery finding out about the origins of how St Helens got its name and why this special town of ours grew during the Industrial Revolution.

Paul Winstanley, of St Helens Rotary, said: "The walk will take in the UK’s first industrial canal, Sankey Navigation, and explain why a section got to be known as the ‘Hotties’!

"The walk will also include; Lyon’s Yard, (Vera Page Park) where a new Heritage Trail plaque will be unveiled by the Mayor.

"Then proceeding to Cannington Shaw, Runcorn Gap Railway, Friends Meeting House and Parish Church.

"There will also be an opportunity to observe canoeing along the canal and find out more about the future developments being planned along the canal stretch at Foundry Wharf (Hope through Heritage). The length of the walk is circa one mile."

Advice for walkers

Organisers advise The Heritage Trail Tour will be using public footpaths. There will be several roads and kerbs to negotiate, but no steps.

Public toilets can be found in Tontine Market, Hardshaw Centre and St Mary’s Market.

Pay and Display car parking can be found at Birchley Street, Hardshaw Centre and Parr Street.

Disabled Access – The Heritage Trail is disabled-friendly as it uses public footpaths.

People are asked to dress according to the weather conditions but recommend sensible footwear.