LOCAL government minister Hilary Armstrong visited Warrington on Friday to see how a thriving community spirit is a winning ingredient to urban regeneration.

She visited St Mary's centre on Knutsford Road, Latchford, where she chatted to residents and played bingo.

Warrington Borough Council's urban renewal scheme aims to identify areas which are in decline and intervene both with officer support and funding to do up houses and get community groups and activities together.

"It was very good to see such keen community involvement," said the minister.

"If you only go in and do up houses the people don't feel it's about them or their opportunities. It's a real advantage in Latchford that they want their neighbourhood to be the best."