Famous faces among 100 people on mural

A mural featuring 100 famous people and community champions from Stoke-on-Trent has been unveiled as part of the city's centenary celebrations.

The 100 Years 100 Faces artwork has been painted on the side of a building on Marsh Street, Hanley.

Among the famous faces on the mural are singer Robbie Williams, Bet365-founder Denise Coates, Guns 'n' Roses guitarist Slash, strongman Eddie Hall and darts player Phil Taylor.

Boxer Nathan Heaney, who also features on the artwork, told BBC Radio Stoke it was "very surreal" to be included.

"It's amazing obviously to celebrate 100 years and 100 people - and I'm on [the mural]. It's brilliant," he added.

Dawnie Reynolds, founder of Hanley-based young people's charity Ruff and Ruby, said she felt tearful during Saturday's official unveiling, having been told she was included in the artwork.

"It was so humbling to be recognised," she added.

"I felt like I was there representing every young person we have ever helped."

Boxer Nathan Heaney said it was surreal to be included on the mural

The mural, created by artists Rob Fenton and Alastair Barnet, was commissioned and funded by Stoke-on-Trent Business Improvement District (BID).

Mr Fenton said the project showed the "interconnectivity" of people in the city and described it as "incredibly rewarding".

The artists spent up to two and a half hours on each portrait and used virtual reality headsets to create the stencils used for the project.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent BID said the mural reflected the past, present and future of the city by featuring portraits that honour people who have shaped its cultural identity.

The city's former lord mayor, councillor Lyn Sharpe, who was also included on the mural, said the area was "really buzzing" during the event.

"It was just spectacular, it was like a Hollywood Oscar event," she added.

Sharpe also highlighted the importance of the city's young people, praising charities like Ruff and Ruby.

"The kids are our future. You don't have to leave Stoke-on-Trent to contribute. We want to keep our talent within our city," she said.

The mural was commissioned as part of Stoke-on-Trent's centenary celebrations, marking 100 years since it was granted city status by King George V in 1925.