Shakespeare anniversary: Stratford-upon-Avon Monopoly game launched

Bard game: Monopoly's makers have invited nominations for landmarks to appear in the game

A version of Monopoly based on Shakespeare's home of Stratford-upon-Avon is to be created, makers say.

The town, which will mark the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death next month, was selected through a public vote.

Residents can now nominate landmarks, including the playwright's birthplace, to fill the spaces on the board.

Special playing pieces could include a swan and a Shakespeare bust, the game's makers said.

Updates on this story and others in Coventry and Warwickshire

Anne Hathaway's Cottage, where Shakespeare's wife lived, could also be chosen

Winning Moves UK said the town had "an abundance of great landmarks from all things Shakespeare like the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Ann Hathaway's Cottage and the new statue".

"Of course the town has lots of other splendours and delights from the Holy Trinity Church, the picturesque racecourse and the River Avon," it added.

Shakespeare's Birthplace in the centre of town is a popular attraction

Councillor Mike Gittus, chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said it was "wonderful news" in Shakespeare's anniversary year.

Other UK cities to get a Monopoly board include Lincoln, Wolverhampton and Oxford.

Stratford-on-Avon joins Las Vegas and Sydney which have also been the subject of the well-known board game

Investigators found Shakespeare and his relatives were not buried in a large family vault, but in shallow graves beneath the church floor

Makers have also based the game in Sydney and Las Vegas.

The Stratford-upon-Avon version is due to go on sale in October.