A VILLAGE that can trace its roots back to at least the 13th century was whisked back in time to the Victorian era for one day only.

Flat caps and bonnets were all the rage when Culcheth's Victorian Day made a welcome return to north Warrington last Saturday.

Staged by Culcheth Lions once again the event is fast becoming a firm family favourite.

Lions president Mike Barker was pleased with the village's response - and is already looking forward to Victorian Day 2004.

"We want to promote it as a community effort more and more and hopefully next year we can get a stage further with that, he added.

True to their word the Lions, for the first time, have managed to stage a children's party with funds raised last weekend.

This will take place, for five to 12-year-olds, at Mee Brow Community Centre on December 13.

Enough will be left over for the annual senior citizens' bash, another beneficiary.

Shopkeepers across Culcheth got into the spirit of things and donned traditional aprons and there was a selection of games and attractions in every nook and cranny.

And there was a fair smattering of chimney sweeps and old-fashioned school ma'ams around for authenticity.

By the end of the afternoon all eyes were on the Methodist Hall as Santa switched on the festive illuminations, provided by Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council.

Fairy lights surround Culcheth Common, a star adorns the CPS store and Lodge Drive has a collection of decorated Christmas trees above street level.

Perhaps the developers of the nearby sheltered housing complex could even deck out the 40-foot crane, currently towering over the village, with a few baubles ...