UP TO £50,000 has been awarded to help preserve the history, stories and culture of a hospital before it is demolished.

The University Hospital of North Staffordshire is urging people of all ages to share their hospital experiences from the last 50 years with them.

The Royal Infirmary will eventually be demolished after the new £400 million super-hospital at the City General site in Hartshill opens in 2012.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has given £50,000 to the hospital to make sure the legacy of its old buildings live on.

The If Wards Could Talk project is being led by former Stoke-on-Trent museums director Ian Lawley.

The historian said: "Stoke-on-Trent's hospitals have a long history. Remains of a mediaeval hospital were found at the City General site, which also includes former workhouse buildings.

"The Royal Infirmary at Hartshill was one of the earliest hospitals to be built on the pavilion system favoured by Florence Nightingale.

"With 650,000 patient visits a year I think a lot of people in North Staffordshire will feel some connection with the hospitals."

Mr Lawley is appealing for people to come forward with photographs, film footage, objects and personal stories.

He said: "When the new hospital takes shape these landmarks will disappear and become history.

" We need to record the stories of staff and patients, buildings and architecture and changing medical practice for future generations to enjoy.

"I imagine there will be many unusual and personal memories of daily life in the hospital."

The information will be used to produce displays, a documentary film and an exhibition at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley.

It is hoped highlights will also form part of a display in the new hospital.

Doctor Gavin Russell, a consultant nephrologist at the hospital and one of the longest-serving members of staff at the hospital, said: "The North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary has been part of my life for upwards of 35 years.

"Many changes have occurred to enable top-class services, but the Infirmary's time is now nigh.

"It is after all a tremendous Victorian achievement, but not able to provide 21st Century care.

"The founding of the hospital is based on benevolence. This spirit in my view has continued in the way that the doctors and nurses have continued to do their best for the local population."

An If Wards Could Talk launch event is at The Medical Institute, Hartshill, on Thursday, from noon to 2pm.

Anyone with a story to tell or who would like to take part in the project, is welcome to attend. Alternatively, call Mr Lawley on 01782 614003.