DOES your town have a bustling high street, winding side streets and quiet parks where all you can hear are birds and trees swaying in the wind?

Businesses and residents in Denbighshire are set to benefit from a new project that teaches community leaders how to describe their town in a storytelling manner.

The Carnegie Trust UK, which aims to boost social, economic and cultural links in towns, is set to launch its Talk of the Town project in a bid to help communities develop and articulate their identity. This can in turn improve residents’ sense belonging, encourage community participation and boost tourism by providing a better connection with visitors.

The project will also provide an opportunity for community leaders to present their town’s story at a networking event attended by policymakers, practitioners and political representatives interested in supporting places across the UK.

Two in five people in the UK live in a town, however each has its own character, sense of place and shared history - be it through language, architecture, environment or leisure.

The story of your town could include the daily experiences of people who live there, attitudes that the town is built, the surrounding environment and popular landmarks and shops.

Denbighshire County Council is offering free guidance to help towns in the county with their submissions as part of its work to create resilient communities. Once your story is put together, it could come to represent what your town is ‘known for’ and into how it sells itself to visitors.

Carnegie has invited expressions of interest in storytelling training from individuals, community groups, charities and social enterprises.

The application process involves an online form and video submission which address the question, What vision do you have for your town?

The deadline for applications is Friday, October 4 at midday. For more information visit www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/project/talk-of-the-town/

For guidance with your application prior to submission, contact Denbighshire County Council by emailing strategicplanningteam@denbighshire.gov.uk