The Sentinel published Novelist Arnold Bennett honoured with a blue plaque at his…

OUR HOUSE: Noshaba Khan with the new plaque in honour of Arnold Bennett which adorns her Cobridge home.

LITERARY giant Arnold Bennett has been honoured with the unveiling of a blue plaque at his former home.

The author famous for books such as Anna of the Five Towns lived at 205 Waterloo Road, in Cobridge, from 1881 to 1889, spending the majority of his teenage years a stone's throw from the old tram system before he moved to London.

The home was briefly turned into a museum dedicated to the Potteries' leading journalist and novelist, but later fell into disrepair.

However, 34-year-old Noshaba Khan and her family bought the property at an auction. Following a painstaking restoration process, they held a reception for historians, politicians and legions of Bennett's fans.

"We were very excited when we were approached about this. It's a brilliant idea," she said.

"It was in quite a bad state, but now it's looking very good. When we bought the house we had to explain to the agents about its history, as they didn't know Arnold lived here, which shows how much it had been forgotten.

"Hopefully, this can help people in the city remember a bit more about Arnold Bennett's life."

Among the attendees was Morag Jones, who spoke at the presentation in her last act as chairman.

She said: "It's a lovely way for me to end my five years as chairman. This is a great way to bow out, as the Khans have done a brilliant job in renovating the house.

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The Sentinel published Novelist Arnold Bennett honoured with a blue plaque at his...