Is Stoke-on-Trent Britain's friendliest city?

Stoke-on-Trent could be one of the friendliest places in Britain, according to a newspaper columnist.

Ben Aitken explored the city for his Sunday Times column, visiting attractions like Trentham Gardens, World of Wedgwood and the nearby New Vic as well as sampling oatcakes.

He described Stokies as "warm and friendly" and said he had been called "ducky" 17 times in a single afternoon.

He is not alone in this view. Locals say you won't "meet nicer people anywhere in the world" - and think the city's community spirit and working-class roots are the reason why.

Aitken told the BBC his column aimed to shine a light on places that were often overlooked because of their industrial heritage or reputation.

"They get stuck and trapped in that reputation," he said. "Anywhere, like anyone, can be nourishing and enjoyable."

Aitken said many people he spoke to in the city initially dismissed it as a place with little to offer and "nothing to do" but "if you interrogate them further they will come up with a long list of things they would do".

Local residents told the BBC the city's community spirit and working-class roots could help explain its reputation for friendliness.

Trader Eddie Skelson said people across the six towns shared a sense of community, and that traditions such as the annual Potters' Fortnight had helped foster a sense of togetherness.

"I think that made essentially entire communities enjoy time together even though they may not realise it," he said.

He said locals were usually willing to help strangers and wanted to make a good impression.

"We want to put on a good show," he said. "People are pleasant and that's not by accident."

Butcher Nicky Joinson said humour was also an important part of life in Stoke.

"We laugh, we joke and nothing's too much for anybody really," she said. "At the moment you've got to have a laugh and a joke."

She added that visitors often warmed to the area and decided to stay.

"Outsiders come in, they take to us and they stop," she said. But she thought native Stokies had a unique quality: "I think you've just got to be born and bred here to get that feeling."

In his Sunday Times column, Aitken also praised the city's food, particularly its oatcakes.

"I like them a lot," he told the BBC. "It was special."

But although Stoke's speciality oatcakes have a special place in hearts of many locals, the people are what many think make the city truly shine.

As Claire Breeze said as she shopped at the market, "I don't think you can meet nicer people anywhere in the world".

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