AN inaugural unveiling was held on Wednesday to mark the launch of a heritage plaque trail. 

The ceremony took place at The World of Glass which saw the first of twelve plaques unveiled. 

The initiative, formed by a partnership between St Helens Borough Council and St Helens Rotary Club, aims to distribute plaques, each containing a QR code for people to scan, at heritage sites across the borough.

The first plaque was launched at 'Hotties', a section of Sankey Canal, to signify Britain's first canal of the Industrial Revolution, dating back to 1757.

The QR code will allow people to read about the history of the 'Hotties' and other heritage sites. 

The trail aims to enhance the borough's cultural identity and to showcase local heritage to all generations. 

READ > QR codes to be added to Sankey Viaduct

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage said: "St Helens borough is built on heritage and has been at the forefront of significant moments throughout British history.

"From the birthplace of the railway and first modern canal to innovators in glass and pharmaceuticals - and of course, home to the most successful rugby league team in the Super League era – so it’s absolutely right that these achievements should be celebrated and on display for all to see.  

"As a council, we’re committed to protecting our heritage assets which is evident through the recent external works to restore the Gamble Building which forms part of this fascinating trail – and over in Newton-le-Willows where work is ongoing to bring the grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall back into use.  

"By 2030, we want to have achieved national and international recognition for the significance, quality and management of our heritage assets, attractions, and infrastructure – and initiatives like this are a big step forward in the right direction."

St Helens Star: A plaque for the 'Hotties' was the first to be unveiled A plaque for the 'Hotties' was the first to be unveiled (Image: St Helens Borough Council)

Following the initial unveiling, Paul Winstanley, President of St Helens Rotary Club, told the Star: "It’s been very humbling to get such a good turnout.

"I’m really pleased that we’ve got so many people who’ve contributed to not just this site, but to the others sites as well.

"People have taken the time out and it shows you their passion for this town. It’s so important that the community’s coming together and I think it’s the St Helens spirit."

The next unveiling will take place at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Monday October 17 to honour St Helens R.F.C as part of the club's 150th anniversary celebrations.