A MINISTER from the Government visited a Northwich-based charity that improves rural life on Thursday.

Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office, was welcomed to Cheshire Community Action to find out more about its work.

The long-established rural charity delivers community transport schemes, community outreach for older people, the community pride competition and bespoke support to communities involved with neighbourhood planning.

Francis met Mark Reading, chief operating officer, Kathy Benn, chairman and fellow trustee the Rev Canon David Felix who talked through the recent governance changes at Cheshire Community Action.

Mr Maude was briefed on community transport projects by Chris Davenport, finance and commercial manager.

Mr Reading said he was very interested in the organisation's work with community-led planning, which he discussed with John Heselwood, the charity's policy and development officer.

Mr Reading said: "He also met with Claire Jones, community buildings advisor, and Carol Weaver, community agent, and echoed the need for many of the good strands of activity Cheshire Community Action are involved in – particularly with regards to early intervention programmes that support older people, an area Cheshire Community Action recently were awarded £220,000 to expand.

"Francis said Cheshire Community Action 'were ahead of the game’ in terms of neighbourhood planning engagement and support for communities."