THERE has been an influx of bikers and backpackers in Culcheth and Glazebury over recent months and now residents think they know why.

For it seems that the two Warrington villages have now been included on the Land's End to John O'Groats trail.

Thousands of charity fundraisers attempt to walk or bike between the two furthest points in the country each year.

And Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council is more than ready to welcome the trekkers to the villages - if only they knew when they were due.

Councillor Delia Caswell said: "It came about because of some people in Bents Garden Centre who were wearing backpacks. John Bent asked them where they were going and they said they were doing the walk and that the route had been changed to avoid Wigan town centre and come through our villages.

"I have seen quite a few parties of cyclists going through the village myself.

"We would like to welcome anyone who stops here and wish them well on their journey but how do people warn us they are coming?"

Clr Caswell added that if they knew of any fundraisers passing through Culcheth and Glazebury, they could arrange to meet at the Millennium Gardens.

hcartwright@guardiangrp.co.uk

TO help the charity fundraisers find their way around Culcheth and Glazebury the Warrington Guardian has compiled a list of some of the tourism hotspots in the villages.

Culcheth

Millenum Gardens

Blooming with flowers in the summer, Millennium Gardens is a focal point for people in the village to meet. The flowers are such a success that Birchwood Town Council has announced plans to have a similar feature in its area.

Leigh Golf Club

Many a man or woman can often be found spending their weekends teeing off at Leigh Golf Club located at Keynon Hall in Broseley Lane, Culcheth.

Risley Prison

A little off the beaten track but fundraisers may feel a trip over to Risley prison is worth the effort. The category C prison can be found on Warrington Road.

The CPS

The CPS on Common Lane is a one stop shop used by many residents in the town where they can pick up their copy of the Warrington Guardian.

Culcheth Library

With Culcheth Library on Warrington Road hoping to start up a history group, charity trekkers may soon be able to find out even more about the village they are in.

Glazebury

Bents Garden Centre

Recently named the best garden centre in the UK, Bents, on Warrington Road, is worth a visit for its scones alone.

The Greyhound Pub

It's not often you can post a letter while enjoying a pint but you can at the Greyhound pub, on Warrington Road, which has a post office inside.

Hurst Hall Barn

Recently described in the 'architects bible', Buildings of England, as 'a fascinating, important and enigmatic fragment of a medieval timber-framed hack of rare construction'.

Glazebury Primary School

Earlier this year, MP Helen Jones visited pupils after the school picked up the prestigious Primary Quality Mark from the Basic Skills Agency.

Windy Bank Wood

Visit the cows at the recently refurbished Windy Bank Woods. With new picnic benches and trees, the walkers and bikers can take a break from their hard work at this peaceful location.