A VILLAGE'S Millennium garden has won prestigious national recognition.

The Culcheth design has been awarded first prize for a hard standing landscape by the British Landscape and Architects' Association and a plaque will be installed to mark the honour.

Culcheth WI was delighted to hear the news from Civic Society speaker Mrs Ruth Briggs who also told members the garden clock face will be altered to make it easier to read.

The group's tights appeal has been extended until October 29. The hosiery is being collected for use in securing medical dressings in third world countries.

Mrs Myrtle Gerrard is inviting members to join a choir to sing in a carol service at St Catherine of Siena RC Church, Lowton, on Friday, December 6. Rehearsals start next month.

The group is also seeking volunteers to support the Culcheth Lions' Victorian Extravaganza on November 30 and to serve on the committee.

Dates for the diary include a course for mature drivers given by the Police Driving and Road Safety Unit at the Methodist Church on October 29.

The speaker, Michael Gitsham, covered 1000 years of the history of Dunham Massey in 45 minutes, telling of the various owners, their families, eccentricities and fluctuations of fortunes.

The next meeting is on October 15 when Mrs M Clephan will present a Christmas Kaleidoscope.