INTEREST in Canute’s Crossing is sweeping the town as Knutsfordians start to record their own crossing of the River Lily to mark 1,000 years of Knutsford history.

Artist Russell Kirk kicked off the Canute's Crossing fun with a hugely successful workshop at the Knutsford Lions Street Fair when children created their own Viking-style shields before crossing the Lily and taking selfies.

Canute's Crossing is one of more than 20 events taking place as part of Knutsford's first town-wide participation in the annual Heritage Open Days (HODs) festival from 8 to 11 September.

"We're still adding new heritage sites," said Sarah Flannery of the Knutsford Promenades Community Association, which is running the event.

"This whole project has really excited the imagination of residents and businesses across and beyond the town, especially as our offering is so broad."

“We’re presenting 1,000 years of heritage from Canute to the present day via Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry Royce, Richard Harding Watt, Baillie Scott and the sites and culture that make Knutsford a truly historic town.”

A special leather bound Legacy Book has been created to record the names of everyone who takes part in Canute's Crossing during 2016.

Although the main Canute's Crossing will be held on Saturday 10 September from 2 to 4.30pm, when the Chester Vikings will be joining townsfolk and visitors to celebrate Canute by crossing the Lily and going on to The Moor to represent Knutsford 1016 to 2016, people are being encouraged to make their own ‘crossing’ in advance of the main event.

Between now and September 10 the Knutsford Guardian will be featuring photos of people crossing the River Lily.

Rachel Howarth, Guardian reporter, said: "We would love to see everyone's 'Lily Selfies'.

"It's a great way for everyone to take part in this fantastic event and share the heritage of the town."

Send your selfies, along with your name, date and time of your ‘crossing’ to add to the Legacy Book, to knutsford@guardiangrp.co.uk and help us create our Canute's Crossing gallery.

Tweet your Canute's Crossing selfie to @KnutsfordNews with the hashtag #canutecrossing