TAPPING into and boosting the potential of Middlewich is the aim of two residents who are set to put the town on the map.

Stephen Dent and Caroline O'Brien have been chosen as the healthcheck co-ordinator and project support officer for the market town's healthcheck initiative.

In the next couple of weeks they will be putting a plan together to consult with people in the town about what they would like to see developed and uncover any problems they may be able to tackle.

Stephen, chairman of the Folk and Boat Festival committee and who won the most valuable volunteer in the Cheshire Awards for Tourism 2003 two weeks ago, said: "It is extremely important to stress that this is a community project not a council one.

"We want the people of Middlewich to decide the future of Middlewich.

"We will be asking the whole community, including businesses, churches, youth organisations, children and elderly residents, to get involved."

The pair will be launching the healthcheck initiative in the New Year and will co-ordinate a public consultation process with the end result being a draft action plan in about nine months time.

Caroline, of Ryecroft Close, aged 23, has just completed a degree in business at the University of West England, Bristol and is keen to get involved in project work in her hometown.

She said: "We will be starting next week with a brainstorming session.

"We will be contacting shops, businesses, groups and societies for their input so it will be very hands on, which is what I want.

"There is a lot of potential here and Middlewich is an up and coming town."

An office is currently being set up at Victoria Buildings, Lewin Street where Stephen and Caroline will be based.

jdriscoll@guardiangrp.co.uk