KNUTSFORD Hosts welcomed its newest member at a special event at Tabley House when David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, presented the badges.

"I am delighted to support the Knutsford Hosts", said David Briggs.

"For me this is an outstanding example of real community spirit. Local people can give money but, often more importantly, they give of their time and their skill to help others."

During the evening Gill Dent, the Tabley House Collection administrator, introduced the Hosts to the house and talked of the need for volunteers to assist with numerous tasks, including 'putting the house to bed'.

"I was so impressed that so many Hosts agreed to either help to preserve the many treasures at Tabley Hall, or to give of their time to improve the experience of visitors to the Hall," said David.

"Tabley truly is an amazing place full of countless magnificent things and I hope that this initiative will also encourage more people to visit the house. For me the star attraction was a 17th century harpsichord still in playing condition."

Gill Dent said she was delighted with the response from the Hosts who wanted to volunteer.

"It's a busy time for the team as much of our conservation work is carried out during the winter months including condition checking, polishing furniture, dusting fixtures and fittings and cleaning the decorative arts collection before they are stored," said Gill.

"We had a wonderful evening at Tabley House and it's great that more than 20 Hosts will be helping with some fascinating conservation," said Sarah Flannery, Knutsford Hosts co-ordinator.

The Hosts recently helped with the Children's Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) Open Day, and the Pumpkin Path. In the run up to Christmas they will be back at CAFT for one of their Christmas Parties, will be delivering envelopes and supporting the street collection for the annual Knutsford Lions Christmas Town Appeal, helping the Tatton Yule Yomp and working with the Lions on their Christmas Day lunch.

"On Monday 7 December we are having a drop-in social at the Lord Eldon from 6 to 9pm," Sarah added.

"We will be celebrating a fantastic year of community volunteering with 31 events and organisations and if anyone is interested in becoming a Knutsford Host they are very welcome to join us."