AN ACTIVE fundraiser has been planned to show off Northwich's countryside and help double the size of a village hall car park.

Marston Parish Council has organised walking and cycling trails around Ashton and Neumann's Flashes with treats up for grabs on Saturday, April 2.

Participants should come to the entrance to the flashes, in New Warrington Road, at 1pm and choose a route.

There is a surprise gift for children who take part in the treasure trail and a prize for the winner.

The event will raise money for a bigger car park at Marston Village Hall, in Ollershaw Lane, which is enjoying a new lease of life.

Cllr Lynn McGahern, from Marston Parish Council, said: "Refurbishment has been ongoing for a while.

"30 years ago I ran a play group there and since I've been back, 30 years later, it's been re-carpeted, redecorated, a really good kitchen has been installed and a ramp has been put up the side of the hall.

"We're really progressing with it and trying to involve as many people from the community as possible.

"People don't tend to use it as much as they could and we're trying to get the people of the village to recognise it."

The council aims to make the hall into a friendly and useful hub for Marston residents and friends of all ages to use and enjoy.

Weekly coffee mornings take place from 10am to noon each Tuesday with free refreshments and a range of activities, including book swaps, watercolour painting and talks on the local area, among others.

There are craft and activity sessions for children during the school holidays and the hall is also available to hire.

For more information about the fundraising trails around the flashes call Caroline on 07565 910022, or email carolineconstable@btinternet.com.

This has already won £500 sponsorship from Active Cheshire.

For more information about the parish council or village hall visit marstonparishcouncil.co.uk or facebook.com/marstonparishcouncil.co.uk.