THE man behind research which declared Warrington as the worst place in the country for making the most out of its heritage came face to face with residents on Saturday.

Jonathan Schifferes, associate director of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), previously told the Warrington Guardian there had been a 'shortcoming' in the methods used to complete the Heritage Index.

And on Saturday he made his way to Warrington Museum and Art Gallery for the Heritage Matters conference.

The event was organised to discuss how to preserve, celebrate and promote Warrington's unique heritage.

Representatives from groups, as well as individuals, who felt passionately that Warrington was unfairly represented in the study, gathered to listen to a number of speakers.

And they were pleased with Mr Schifferes' response after he was challenged over the damning ranking.

He confirmed the RSA intended its report to 'help' towns like Warrington use their heritage assets.

The RSA said it believes heritage will help a place 'achieve its aspirations to grow and prosper, socially and economically'.

The day produced a lively debate about why heritage mattered to those attending and marked the first in a series of initiatives to build a heritage network in Warrington, which can work together to encourage more people of all ages and across the community to celebrate what makes Warrington unique.

All involved agreed Warrington 'wants to show' that heritage matters to all and that the town should move up the league table on next year's Heritage Index.

Mr Schifferes also previously confirmed methods will be 'enhanced' in next year's study.