VISITORS to Altrincham have a chance ot learn about the town's rich history.

Detailed historic maps and plans of the area dating from 1852 and 1876, along with a selection of prints from old photos and postcards, will be on display in the lead-up to Christmas.

The photos and maps have been printed from material which has been loaned by collectors for scanning by the Altrincham Area Image Archive.

This ongoing project forms part of Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society's grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A few artefacts including bottles and crested china, will also be shown. There will be self-guided activities for families.

Postcards and fridge magnets, along with the popular heritage souvenir mugs will be on sale as Christmas gifts.

The display entitled 'Heritage of the Altrincham Area', will be held at the 'Art with a Heart' Art Centre at Chisnalls, 14 - 16 Shaws Road, Altrincham, which is on the way up to the market.

It runs from December 7 until Sunday December 16 and is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.

The display is one of several 'Art with a Heart' projects for the community, coordinated by Karen Wroe in the old Chisnalls cafe. The previously empty venue has been provided for the 'Art with a Heart' chairty art exhibition by Trafford Council, as part of the regeneration plans for the town.

Project coordinator Sue Nichols, of Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society, said: 'Karen Wroe offered us the excellent Chisnalls venue with its proper wall-hanging space and open access, for a temporary heritage display. We were very keen to accept, as it gives us a chance to show and share some of the projects upon which we have been working.'

The display will form the basis for a Trafford secondary schools Open Art exhibition, 'Inspired by Heritage', to be held by Art with a Heart in January.