KNUTSFORDIANS were treated to a glimpse into the life of a BBC Sport presenter as part of a festival organised by two of the town’s churches.

The ‘Real Lives’ festival was staged by Knutsford Methodist Church and St John’s Parish Church over the weekend.

The event featured three guest speakers beginning with former Chief Constable Robin Oake on Thursday, March 21, before Fiona Castle spoke on Saturday and BBC presenter Dan Walker rounded off the weekend on Sunday.

Award-winning musician Freddie Kofi held a concert at the church on Friday evening, while Paul Hinton, a pastor at a church in Leeds, oversaw each interview.

The Guardian was at Dan’s talk on Sunday evening and listened as he spoke about his work at the BBC and his faith.

Anecdotes included how he grew up attending church, his favourite roles while working for the corporation – the London Olympics and the World Cup in South Africa in particular – and how he has had to turn down jobs due to his decision to not work on Sundays.

Dan told the Guardian after his talk he had enjoyed his visit to Knutsford.

“I very rarely talk at events like this because it clashes with work plus I’ve got three kids to look after but when I was growing up it would have been great to have heard a presenter talk and explain what they do,” he said.

“I’m not a preacher but the guys here asked me to come down two years ago and I like doing it as these talks are good fun to do.”

The Rev Rob Cotton, from Knutsford Methodist Church, said he was pleased and encouraged by the success of the festival.

“There was virtually a full house on the first night and it built up so Sunday was the climax to a very successful festival,” he said.

“People loved it and they said how lovely it was to speak to the guests after. Fiona stayed quite late on Saturday and Dan was signing copies of a booklet and he signed an incredible number.

“It gave people a chance to speak to people who they normally see on the TV and talk to them about their faith.”

Former Premiership footballer Linvoy Primus will be at KMC on Thursday, April 11 to hold an ‘Alpha – Welcome to Christianity’ class. If you’d like to attend call the church on 01565 652251.