AN archaeologist with strong links to Cheshire will explain Knutsford's Viking past as part of the celebrations to mark 1,000 since King Canute's visit to the town.

As Knutsford is celebrating 1,000 years of history since Canute famously came to the town and forded the River Lily, the Knutsford Promenades Community Association has announced a keynote lecture will be given on 'Cheshire and the Viking World’.

Professor Richard Morris OBE is presenting this illustrated lecture, which is hosted by The Tabley House Collection Trust.

Professor Morris is a highly respected archaeologist, historian and author who has worked at the Universities of York, Leeds and Huddersfield, and has been director of the Council for British Archaeology and a Commissioner of English Heritage. He is a Trustee of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Richard Morris chairs The Blackden Trust, a charitable organisation involved in historical and archaeological investigation and care of the late-medieval home of novelist Alan Garner, in Cheshire.

"Cheshire played an important part in the Viking world which stretched from Dublin to Russia," said Sarah.

"His talk will be a fascinating insight into Cheshire's history and we're grateful to Professor Morris, The Blackden Trust and Tabley House for making this unique event possible."

Meanwhile, the Knutsford Heritage Open Days organisers are encouraging people to join in Canute's Crossing on Saturday, September 10.

Led by the Danish consul Christian Wewer, the artist Russell Kirk and the Chester Vikings, the event will represent 1,000 years of Knutsford's history since 1016 by following in Canute's footsteps and crossing the River Lily.

Once on the Moor all participants will help artist Russell Kirk create a piece of community art made by 1,000 hands in homage to the 1,000 years. Entertainment will be provided so the afternoon will be a fun event for all ages.

"We're encouraging people to do their own crossing between now and September and share their photos with us and the Knutsford Guardian," said Sarah.

"The response so far has been great - chef Raymond Blanc was particularly enthusiastic when he did the crossing and was very supportive of our project and fascinated by Knutsford's heritage."

Tatton MP George Osborne took time out of his schedule to head down to the Lily on Friday, July 8 to cross the river with Promenades organisers and members of the Knutsford business community,

Send your Lily crossing selfies to knutsford@guardiangrp.co.uk.