THERE was a surprise in store for four visitors to Lymm’s Heritage Centre after they were announced as the 10,000th visitors since the site opened in June 2017.

Peter Leach along with his daughter Charlotte popped in for a look around and to see the display of photographs of old Lymm pubs – but their arrival was met with celebration.

He said: “Whenever we are in the village Charlotte makes a bee-line for the centre and enjoys looking at the pictures and exhibits as well as getting hands-on where she can.”

Helen Benn and her partner Alan Bailey were visiting the village from Leicestershire where they now live when their arrival was announced as part of the milestone visit.

She said: “I grew up in Lymm which was also home to my parents and grandparents.

“I left many years ago now but it will always be home.

“I have been following the Heritage Centre on Facebook for some time so was really looking forward to paying a visit during my trip home.

“It’s a great addition to the village.”

Both couples were presented with special signed copies of the new book The Pubs, Inns and Alehouses of Lymm by authors Alan Taylor and Alan Williams.

Chairman of the centre Alan said “It’s been an amazing eighteen months since we opened.

“We have had such positive feedback from all sides.

“We feel we are meeting a genuine need and helping strengthen a sense of community as well as working to preserve and share Lymm’s past.

"Casual visitors may only see the centre itself but there is so much more going on behind the scenes including education and archiving.

“New faces are always welcome as there is always plenty to do and we encourage new ideas and initiatives.”

All profits from the new book will be put back into the centre to help create a sustainable future for the project.

The book is available to buy at the Heritage Centre on Legh Street at Lymm Post Office and in every pub in Lymm. The centre is open Thursday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm.

For more information visit lymmhic.co.uk.