LOCAL residents are invited to share their views on a new project to preserve Pickering's unique heritage sites.

Information n the Pickering Heritage and Arts project will be shared at the town's parish church from 6.30pm on Friday, May 24.

Academics from the University of York will join forces with Pickering church and Pickering CIC to share their ideas and listen to residents' views about the project to clean, conserve and tell the story of Pickering's wonderful wall paintings and other local heritage sites.

Reverend Gareth Atha, Vicar of Pickering with Marishes, Lockton and Levisham, said the meeting will be led by Professor Kate Giles, whose book on the Pickering paintings has now won an international prize.

"The team will explain the urgency of works needed and invite local community members, societies and businesses to think about the kinds of activities, events and benefits that the project could deliver for them. This could include arts, theatre and musical opportunities, conservation and heritage apprenticeships, volunteering opportunities and the creation of new resources and trails connecting the church with other local heritage sites and experiences.

"We'd love everyone to come along and tell us what they would hope to gain and contribute to the project, which will inform a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2024/5."

For more information go to https://www.pickeringchurch.com/information.html