CHESHIRE’S Lord Lieutenant David Briggs has described Reverend Rob Cotton’s book Hope in the Main Street as ‘a really important contribution to the challenges of our time’.

Mr Briggs was among the speakers at Knutsford Heritage Centre for the pre-publication launch of Methodist Minister Rob Cotton’s book.

The other main speakers were Tatton MP Esther McVey and Cllr Andrew Malloy, Knutsford’s deputy mayor.

Mr Briggs said: “I have come to realise in my community work as Lord Lieutenant that the word hope is key to a happy life.

“Without hope there is frankly no reason to get out of your bed in a morning. I am hugely impressed by the work of the Methodist Church.”

Ms McVey recalled it was the first anniversary of her becoming Tatton MP, and was presented with a copy of the book, which she insisted on paying for.

Having seen two Knutsford Methodist DVDs about the Friendship Café for people with Dementia and their carers, and the Parenting Course, she said: “Listening here today to these poignant and inspirational words, it empowers and inspires us.

“As we come together as a community we can be inspired to do something.”

Cllr Malloy said: “The church is so much more than just a religion, it is about community, supporting others and providing hope for others, and for me this is demonstrated so well in Knutsford.”

‘Hope in the Main Street’ is being launched at this year’s Methodist Conference in Nottingham on July 2, and is available from Knutsford Heritage Centre and all good book shops from July 1.