A GROUP made up of Latchford traders has joined forces with an ambitious partnership project in the area ahead of an inaugural festival in August.

Latchford Village Traders and The Latch Ford Big Local Partnership are supporting The Latch Ford Festival, which will run from August 23 to August 29.

Although it is the first year the festival will run, it is hoped that it becomes a regular annual event for the calendar.

Teresa Thomas, owner of Picturesq, which is one of the businesses involved in the traders group, believes the plans in place will boost community engagement.

"We want to make Latchford a better place for everybody and it is about getting more people involved with what goes on," she said.

"We are trying to come up with ideas with what can be done and getting the message out there."

Cllr Steve Wright (LAB – Latchford East), who is the project manager for Latch Ford Big Local, is playing a big role in ensuring the festival goes to plan.

He is urging the community to 'come together to back' the event and is hopeful more people will come forward to take part in the events.

A duck race will kick off the festival, with a string of other events set to follow, including a craft day, car boot sale and events put on by the Warrington Wolves Foundation.

For further information or to get involved in the festival call 07580 878029.