THE best of Knutsford was celebrated last week, with the town awards presented as part of the annual meeting.

Six awards, sponsored by the Knutsford-based Forum of Private Business, were handed out by town mayor Cllr Jan Nicholson, with individuals and organisations recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community.

A youth award, business award, community award and three civic awards were won, interlaced between presentations from the town council and various voluntary organisations.

Ian Cass, managing director at the FPB, said: “We are very lucky to live in Knutsford. It’s a great community, and it’s great to see people putting back into the community.”

Nathan Brown was the winner of the youth award, commended for his voluntary work with the Welcome Café on Longridge.

The business award, presented by FPB boss Ian Cass via video link, went to Erica Goggins and the Knutsford Directory with Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe also nominated.

The First Responders then pipped the Heritage Centre and the Secret Gardens of Springfield to the community award.

Three civic awards were also handed out by Cllr Nicholson, given to individuals or groups of individuals who commit their time to the community.

These were won by Sarah Pownall for her work with the Strong Women programme, which has inspired women in Longridge and Shaw Heath.

Tony Leadbeater also picked up a civic award for his 50 years of dedication to the scouts, while Brian and Sylvia Chaplin won the final gong for their work across many of Knutsford’s community groups.

Introducing the group presentations, Cllr Nicholson said: “It has been an honour to serve as mayor of Knutsford over the past year.

“This annual report highlights some of what the town council has achieved over the past 12 months and looks forward to the next year.”

In Cllr Nicholson’s presentation on the town council’s past year’s activity, she highlighted the success of the heritage open days, cemetery grave works, Christmas events and market improvements.

The council’s push to secure job centre provision was also commended, as well as the Canute millennial celebrations supported by the Heritage Centre.

The Centre, in King Street, was one of the nine organisations to give presentations on their work, along with the Lions, who are currently celebrating their centenary year, and the Canute lunch club.

Knutsford Laughter Club, the first responders, Allotments Society, patient participation group and air cadets also addressed the well-attended meeting, while the Friends of the Moor explained their plans for the future.