Kids pocket city's history

LIVERPOOL schoolchildren will be given a little piece of history over the coming weeks.

All primary school pupils, and secondary school pupils up to the age of 16, will be presented with a special commemorative coin to mark the city's 800th anniversary.

70,000 copies of the coin will be distributed to schools, with further copies already on general sale at selected stores, including 1,000 golden limited edition coins. 

Designed by sculptor Stephen Broadbent, the coin is engraved with an intricate 800-year timeline starting with the Liver Bird, representative of King John's Charter, and ending with a growing plant symbolic of renewal and hope for the future. 

Lib Dem Councillor Mike Storey said: "Liverpool's 800th anniversary is a chance to celebrate eight centuries of history, which have seen the city play a pivotal role in numerous world events." 

"The commemorative coin will be a very special memento for our young people, whilst serving as an important reminder of the city's rich and varied past."

Commemorative coins were also produced in 1957 and in 1907, when the medallion featured an image of King John who presented Liverpool with its first charter in 1207