A COMMUNITY project in Knutsford has won a grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

Knutsford Hosts said this week it was ‘delighted’ to announce it has received an Awards for All grant from the fund.

“It’s great news that our bid was successful,” said joint project manager Sarah Flannery.

“Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund the Knutsford Hosts pilot is well and truly under way.”

The first hosts made their debut at the Knutsford Christmas lights switch-on and the Christmas markets where they handed out copies of the shoppers map and flyers promoting the Knuts about Christmas late night shopping event on Thursday, December 12, as well as asking people to complete a short survey which will help with benchmarking.

“We were amazed at the number of people interested in seeing the first Knutsford Hosts in action, and were delighted with the numbers signing up to learn more about becoming a host,” Sarah added.

Joint project manager Norma Young thanked the volunteer hosts who gave their time generously to take part in the weekend events.

“Thanks also go to everyone who took the time out to stop and talk to the hosts,” she said.

“Their comments are valuable as only with their input and suggestions can Knutsford ensure that the events it stages throughout the year are what the people of Knutsford want to see in their town.”

The Big Lottery Fund, the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding, is responsible for giving out 40 per cent of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery.

The fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK.

Since its inception in 2004 it has have awarded close to £6 billion.