City has its own musical anthem

The anthem is part of a re-branding campaign (pic by Bill Harwood)

A musical anthem has been created for Stoke-on-Trent to play at events and to help promote the city.

The anthem, called Moving Forwards Together, is part of the city council's aim to re-brand Stoke as a place of regeneration.

It will be used in radio adverts, as hold music at the council's call centre and at elected mayor's meetings.

Lyrics in the anthem, written by local composer Chris Peace, include "it's time for a change in our city".

'Lump of emotion'

Mayor Mark Meredith said the council wanted an inspiring piece of music to promote the city.

The full version of the music can be downloaded from the council's website.

Mr Meredith said: "I personally love this anthem.

THE ANTHEM'S LYRICS Moving forwards together It's time for a change in our city Stoke-on-Trent anthem

"I think it's inspiring, it's uplifting and to me it brings a lump of emotion to my throat.

"That's the effect we wanted it to have on the staff at the city council and on the people throughout the city."

The move comes in the same week Channel Four apologised to Stoke-on-Trent for incorrectly stating in its Location, Location, Location show that one in five families in the city was homeless.

The city council has also launched a competition for local residents to come up with a logo to represent the city.