Summary

Live Reporting

Written by Alex McIntyre, edited by Allen Cook & Trystan Jones

  1. Freedom of City for Bet365 owner and others

    A woman with short dark hair, earrings, a necklace, a peach-coloured shirt and a black jacket, stands facing the camera in front of a grey wall.Bet365/PA Media

    The founder of Stoke-on-Trent-based betting firm Bet365 is among those who will be awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City today

    Denise Coates, believed to be Britain's richest woman, will be named as one of the awardees during the special civic city council meeting later.

    The award recognises her "exceptional entrepreneurism" and "extraordinary dedication" to philanthropy through the Denise Coates Foundation, which has donated millions to charity.

    The full list of people receiving the honour is as follows:

    • Denise Coates CBE
    • Peter Coates
    • Sir Ian Dudson KCVO CBE
    • John Goodwin
    • Fred Hughes
    • Mo Iqbal
    • Mike Lloyd OBE
    • Port Vale Football Club
    • Carol Shanahan OBE
    • Joan Walley

  2. Time capsule buried 100 years ago to be opened

    A black cuboid-shaped box in an opening in a wall. The box is old and damaged. It says "North Staffs Infirmary" on the front. Rubble is on the ground next to the box and a hand wearing a red glove has been placed on it.UHNM

    A time capsule buried during King George V's visit on 5 June 1925 will be formally opened at 10:30 BST as part of the centenary celebrations.

    The lead box was placed at the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary and uncovered by the estates team with then site's owners, the University Hospitals North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust, in 2018 - six years after the infirmary closed.

    It was found behind a foundation stone laid by King George V when he gave the infirmary a royal decree.

    Marc Porter, UHNM estates manager, said: "It's hard to believe that I was the first person to touch the box since King George V."

  3. Civic prayer breakfast to mark centenary

    Faith leaders, civic figures and community members are gathering for a centenary civic prayer breakfast at the Kings Hall this morning.

    As well as honouring 100 years of the city status, it will also reaffirm Stoke-on-Trent's commitment to "unity, collaboration and public service", the city council said.

    The event, hosted by charity Saltbox, will feature a keynote address by Robert Mountford, West Midlands Churches ecumenical officer and a live interview with Dr Fiona Hibberts, deputy chief nurse at University Hospitals North Midlands.

    The lord mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, councillor Steve Watkins, said it was a chance to "pause and reflect on what matters most".

  4. 'Celebrate this fantastic city'

    A man with short white hair, wearing gold and black mayoral robes with a gold chain around his shoulders. Behind him is a blue banner that says "Stoke-on-Trent Centenary".Stoke-on-Trent City Council

    Grab that serving of local delicacy lobby or an oatcake - the lord mayor of Stoke-on-Trent is urging people to "celebrate this fantastic city" and mark the occasion in their own way.

    Councillor Steve Watkins said Stoke-on-Trent Day was a chance for everyone who loves the city to come together in recognition of its shared heritage and future.

    “Whether you’re enjoying a Staffordshire oatcake, some traditional lobby or simply eating and drinking from your favourite local ceramics, it’s about coming together to show pride in our city," he said.

    “Our ceramics – and our people – have spread across the globe and Stoke-on-Trent Day is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate this fantastic city.”

  5. Welcome to our live coverage

    An aerial image of a group of people who have formed the number 100. In front of them is a figure dressed in mayoral attire who is next to a display of large letters that say "#SOTDAY".Stoke-on-Trent City Council

    Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Stoke-on-Trent Day, which marks the city's centenary.

    It has been 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent was given its city status by King George V on 5 June 1925, all down to its contribution to the UK's pottery industry - hence its nickname, The Potteries.

    Stay with us, prepare to blow out imaginary candles and tip a hat, as we keep you up to date with everything that's going on throughout the day to mark the occasion.