A RUNCORN attraction with a rich history spanning 900 years has won a top award.

Norton Priory, a 42-acre site which includes the Grade 1 listed undercroft, a modern visitor centre, and a famous 2.5-acre Georgian walled garden has received a community arts award for its efforts to keep the arts alive and accessible in Halton.

This award was provided by Victoria Music Limited. On receiving its award from Victoria Music Limited.

Rob Sanderson-Thomas, CEO of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, said: “We are thrilled to have our cultural work for the local community recognised in this way.

“To be joining a long list of incredible, passionate and dedicated previous recipients of the award makes it all the more valued.

” Victoria Music Limited’s CEO Rob Littler justified its decision to recognise the work of Norton Priory.

He said: “I have been aware for some time how above and beyond Norton Priory and their staff go to provide performing arts access to our community. VML have had the pleasure to collaborate with them over the past year and learned first-hand how passionate they are to support community arts with their excellent performances and their collaborations with partners such as A Place For Us in Runcorn.”

Residents keen to support local performing arts projects will soon have the opportunity to do so once again. On Wednesday and Thursday, December 20 and 21, Norton Priory will be hosting a performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Tickets are on sale for £12 per adult and £8 per child.