Cllr Lewis took over the mayoral chain of office from Cllr Graham Fenton at a ceremony at Brookfield Hall, Nantwich.

Cllr Lewis’ wife Pauline will be his Consort, Cllr Christine Farrall was elected as deputy mayor, and the new Rector of St Mary’s Church in Nantwich Barry Wilson has agreed to be the mayor’s chaplain for 2013-14.

Cllr Lewis, a former senior lecturer who worked at South Cheshire College, moved to Nantwich in 2004.

He began his career in education when he joined the Royal Army Educational Corps during his National Service.

He also served as an instructor with the Malaysian Armed Forces, before working at different institutions around the country.

“I’m really proud to be invited to be mayor,” he said.

“This role will build on my approach as a councillor to establish consensus policies that reflect town views.

“I see the future of the town as  a tourist centre and meeting the needs of residents and tourists through its individual approach.

“We must address the commercial needs and of the town’s historical market background.”

Cllr Lewis’s chosen charity for the year us SSAFA, which raises money for the families of members of the armed forces injured or killed serving their country.

“Among the 1st Battalion Mercians, known as the Cheshires, there have been 100 injured and 12 killed, so their needs are ongoing,” he added.

Before retiring from his office, Cllr Fenton handed over cheques to charities he has helped to raise money for during the year.

These included the Rotary Club of Nantwich and Weaver, St Luke’s Hospice, and Elim Missionaries.

Year 5 and 6 pupils from Pear Tree, Weaver and Stapeley Broad Lane went head-to-head with four others at South Cheshire College.

Roared on by hundreds of parents and friends, teams competed in indoor activities such as relay races, hurdles, standing long jump, vertical-jump and soft javelin.

Other schools joining Nantwich ones were Gainsborough, Oakefields and Leighton from Crewe, and Audlem Primary.

Gainsborough were crowned overall winners with 683, pipping Leighton Primary School to the post by just eight points.

Weaver came third on 584 points, just one point ahead of fourth place Pear Tree.

Gainsborough will now go forward to compete in the Sportshall Primary Cheshire & Warrington School Games Final 2013 on Thursday March 14 at Chester’s Northgate Arena.

Sports students from South Cheshire College officiated at the event, which was organised by the Crewe and Nantwich School Sport Partnership (CNSSP).

Niall McGregor, School Games Organiser, said: “This was one of the best ever sportshall athletics finals we’ve ever had.

“Once again I’d like to say a big thankyou to South Cheshire College for hosting the event and to the students who helped to supervise and officiate on the day.”

CNSSP aims to increase PE and sport opportunities for young people through co-ordinated PE, school sport and out-of-school-hours learning activities that link with local clubs, community sports facilities and development programmes.

There are around 450 School Sport Partnerships across the country which are driven by the Government’s PE and Sport Strategy for Young People.

To find out more about PE and school sport please visit the Crewe and Nantwich School Sport Partnership website www.cnssp.org.uk

Teams of year 5 and 6 pupils from Crewe and Nantwich schools battled it out in a series of heats.

Heat winners were Pear Tree Primary in Stapeley, Audlem Primary, Leighton and Gainsborough primaries in Crewe.

They will be joined by the three best runners up, which were Weaver Primary in Nantwich, Stapeley Broad Lane, and Oakefields in Crewe.

Teams were tested on a range of field events such as standing long jump, triple jump and javelin, and track events including obstacle relay, 1 + 1 relay and over and under relay.

Heats took place at Brine Leas High School, Malbank High School, Sir William Stanier High School and South Cheshire College.

The final is scheduled for Monday January 28 2013, between 4pm and 6pm, at South Cheshire College.

The overall winner will go forward to compete in the Cheshire Sportshall Athletics county final.

Zoe Leydon, aged 10, of the winning team for Pear Tree, said: “I really enjoy going to competitions like this, being part of the team and trying out different events. I can’t wait for the final and I really hope we do well.”

Organiser Niall McGregor, of Crewe & Nantwich School Sport Partnership (CNSSP), said: “The provision of opportunity for comparatively large teams to represent a school is a key factor in the success and appeal of Sportshall.

“The focus is placed firmly on the achievements of the team and the importance of supporting each other.”

South Cheshire College students were also praised for helping to officiate at all the heats.

Heat details:

Heat 1 – Audlem 673 points, Stapeley 615, Acton 590, Sound 583, Wrenbury 575, St Oswalds Worleston 564.

Heat 2 – Pear Tree 665, Weaver 660, St Annes 604, Highfields 557, Willaston 546, Millfields 536,  Wyche 467.

Heat 3 – Leighton 706, Oakefields 646, Monks Coppenhall 628, Hungerford 589, Beechwood 551.

Heat 4 – Gainsborough 682,  St Marys 658, Wistaston Green 653, Vine Tree 599.

(picture courtesy of Pear Tree School)

The not-for-profit station is on a trial broadcast on 87.7FM from today (November 5) for the next 28 days.

It’s their third temporary licence since it began broadcasting online in September 2010.

And the organisation aims to make an application to Ofcom for a full-time community FM licence in 2013.

New programmes include Rotary Round Up presented by the Rotarians of South Cheshire; Community Round Up, a daily show presented by students at South Cheshire College; and Civvie Street, a programme that delves into the life and times of South Cheshire’s notable people.

RedShift co-founder Liz Southall said: “With the cost of running this test broadcast being several thousands of pounds, we are keen to make sure this opportunity is not wasted and welcome feedback and engagement from the listeners so we can continually improve our service to the community.”

Midweek Uplift presenter Benjamin Stubbs said: “I love being involved with RedShift, our ethos is to bring positive news to the listeners and focus on all the great things going on in our community.

“As the youth liaison officer, I organise all the school shows and I am really pleased to be working with lots of primary and secondary schools in the area to take part in the School Run Challenge.

“The school with the most unique interactions from listeners will win a six week School Run Radio Experience sponsored by SG World Ltd. To get your school involved email youth@redshiftradio.co.uk”

Joinery and carpentry students from Reaseheath College pooled their talents to restore a Christmas float for a local rotary club.

The float, which has toured homes and shopping centres in Crewe for 15 years, is having a new outer skin built.

The facelift of the black and white cottage, with its chimney seat for Father Christmas, will be completed by painting and decorating students from South Cheshire College.

And it should be ready to hit the streets on December 6 until Christmas Eve.

The float helps the Rotary Club of Crewe, which is celebrating its 80th birthday, raise around £7,000 each year through public donations.

The money goes to local charities and youth organisations.

Rotary Club of Crewe President Jerry Park said: “We have very much appreciated this professional overhaul by students.

“Our float has become a tradition in Crewe and its arrival is eagerly awaited by families. Some of the students will remember it from their own childhood.

“As well as helping to maintain a popular service in Crewe, this project will also help us to continue to raise money for local good causes.”

The work is being supported by Wulvern Housing.

Jan Melia, Wulvern regeneration officer, said: “Santa visits many of the neighbourhoods where Wulvern has homes.

“By supporting this we are able to bring a little seasonal joy to our customers and to help a good cause too.”

Tim Gallagher, 19, won through to the boot camp in Liverpool after a resounding ‘yes’ from judges only to be rushed to hospital with a blood clot.

Now the former Shavington High School pupil has recovered and is preparing to entertain a crowd of more than 10,000 people at the Spooktacular event at Dorfold Park, Nantwich on October 27.

The bonfire and fireworks event, also featuring Coronation Street beauty Michelle Keegan, has live music in the shape of Tim and For The Weekend (FTW), a boy band being hailed as the new One Direction.

Tim, who studied Performing Arts at South Cheshire College, will perform his own  songs and a range of pop anthems including Crazy by Gnarls Barkley, Sex on Fire, Kings of Leon and Lego House by Ed Sheeran – the song that brought him success on the current series of X Factor.

He said: “Getting through to boot camp was a dream come true but then I suddenly started feeling tired and sick.

“I thought it was dehydration but it turned out to a blood clot. It meant I couldn’t go back into the competition but as they say, when one door closes another opens.

“It was a blow having to leave X Factor but I am busy recording my own songs and getting great feedback.”

Tim, who started singing at five on a toy karaoke, is due to release his own EP, entitled 13.

He added: “I was born on Friday 13, live in house number 13, so hope 2013 brings me good luck.”

Jan Roberts, of Nantwich-based Pure PR, which is promoting the night, said: “X Factor’s loss is Nantwich’s gain.

“Tim is a great performer and will certainly add something special to the night.”

Spooktacular includes more than 2,000 fireworks and a huge bonfire lit by Michelle Keegan. Other attractions include a funfair, Punch and Judy show and licensed bar.

Families are being encouraged to join the fancy dress fun on a Halloween theme. Trophies are up for grabs to be presented by Michelle and MP Edward Timpson.

Tickets are selling fast. They include a free bus to Dorfold Park from Nantwich Civic Hall and Snowhill carpark.

For more information visit www.blitzfireworks.com or call 07876 784100.

Lee Comerford is set to clock up the miles on a cycling challenge from Lands End in Cornwall to Windermere in the Lake District.

Lee is saddling up to raise cash for the blood cancer charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

The 28-year-old, who also studied at South Cheshire College, set off yesterday (September 4) with his brothers Ryan and Daniel Comerford and other riders Simon Cox and Mark Maguire for different stints of the journey.

He will pass through Launceston, Bristol and Nantwich on his way from Lands End to Windermere.

Lee, who now lives in California, decided to take on the cycle challenge because an old school friend died from Leukaemia.

He said: “I go out training every weekend and it’s really hard work but it’s nothing compared to what sufferers of this terrible disease go through.

“I hope people support the cycle ride and the money raised will help Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research invest in the best UK research to beat blood cancer.”

Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research is the only UK charity dedicated to research into blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Around 30,000 people are diagnosed with a blood cancer in the UK every year.

Dan Solley, head of Sports Events at Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, said: “It is great that Lee, Daniel, Ryan, Simon and Mark are taking part in the 500 mile ride and are raising money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

“Every penny raised will be invested in our leading research which is making a real difference to the lives of patients with blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.”

To donate or find out more about the mission visit www.justgiving.com/Lee-Comerford

Speaker Rob Pickersgill (pictured) will be boosting the confidence of local entrepreneurs at the event on Regents Park, London Road.

Rob, a lecturer at South Cheshire College, has been invited in by event organisers Anna Morales, of Funky Monkey Cafe, and Anna Bates, who runs Waterbabies.

He said: “The theme of my talk is going to be about self belief and self confidence.

“There are a lot of young mums for example looking to set up a business, but they struggle with confidence to see it through.

“People coaching is what I love doing and I’m looking forward to helping people become more successful.”

The event on Wednesday (Sept 5) is designed to help promote local enterprise and will run at the Funky Monkey Cafe on Regents Park from 6pm to 7pm.

Everyone in business or hoping to start an enterprise is invited to go along.

A second speaker from Belle Visage, based at Nantwich Health Centre on Church View, is also due to give a talk.

For more details contact funkymonkeycafe@hotmail.co.uk or on twitter @cafefunkymonkey, or call 07846296882.

Rob Pickersgill is also planning regular Wednesday morning “coffee and confidence” sessions for anyone, not just business people.

These will run from 10am to 12pm. Email Rob on info@themadisoninstitute.co.uk for more details.

Alex Leigh, a student at Malbank School and Sixth Form College, picked up her A grade from her Maths AS level with hundreds sixth formers this week.

But the difference is Alex (pictured) is a year 9 student – and sat the core maths paper 1 three years before most others.

Angela Miller, the school’s Strategic Business Manager, said Alex was naturally thrilled to bits at passing the qualification.

She said: ”Alex worked very hard and it is wonderful that she has done so well.

“We always get outstanding performers who take qualifications early – but three years early is a rarity!”

Hundreds of Nantwich students from Malbank, Brine Leas and South Cheshire College picked up their results this week.

Many secured places at top universities, while others had to go through the hectic Clearing system.

Crewe and Nantwich students at the institution celebrated an overall A level pass rate of 99.6%.

Out of 905 A level entries this year, 77% of  passes were achieved at grades A*, A, B and C.

These latest results were only topped in 2007, when the college enjoyed a 99.8% overall pass rate.

Many students are now looking forward to starting Higher Education courses at universities around the UK.

Among them are Jonny Mainwaring and Jennifer Bellamy, who are heading to Oxford and Cambridge Universities respectively.

Jonny, 18, of Nantwich, celebrated an A* A level in Physics and A grades in Chemistry and Maths.

He is  starting a degree in Material Science and Engineering at Oxford.

The former Brine Leas High School pupil said: “I was hoping to do well and I’m very pleased with my grades.

“I’ve really enjoyed the combination of subjects I’ve studied at A-Level and the whole college experience. I’m really looking forward to Oxford.”

Jennifer achieved three A* grades in Chemistry, Biology and Maths.

The former Madeley High School pupil is on her way to Cambridge University to study a six-year course in Medicine.

The 18-year-old, of Betley, said: “It has been hard work but these grades have made it all worth it.

“I knew I was on track to do well because I got good grades in many of my course modules but these final results are fantastic. I can’t wait for university now.”

In AS levels, the college achieved an overall pass rate of 90% out of 1,451 entries.

Peter Swift, South Cheshire College Principal, said: “I’m delighted for all the students who have achieved such outstanding grades and this has been another excellent year with a brilliant overall pass rate.

“The results highlight the fantastic teaching and learning that takes place here and we wish students all the best as they progress to university or their chosen career.”

Ex Brine Leas High student Jonny May is teaming up with Shavington’s Ellie Hill to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in aid of Childreach International.

The duo, who both went to South Cheshire College, will spend three weeks in Tanzania on the ‘Kilimanjaro Challenge’ after flying to Nairobi in Kenya to link-up with the expedition team.

During the first few days, the pair will link up with a school in Moshi, Tanzania, where they will meet pupils and take part in activities and school projects.

They will then climb to the 19,000ft summit of Mount Kilimanjaro over an eight-day period.

Jonny, 19, from Crewe, who is studying Engineering at Warwick University, said: “By taking on this challenge I will hopefully achieve something not only for myself but also for those less fortunate.

“It’s going to be tough, but if we can help make a difference to lives of the children Childreach support then it will be well worth it.

“Ellie and I have both been training hard for the climb and now we can’t wait to start our journey.”

Jonny and Ellie have already raised over £5,000 for Childreach International with a charity football match, an Easter charity ball, cake stalls and other activities.

Jonny added: “The support we’ve had so far has been unbelievable and we’re really grateful to local businesses and organisations who’ve sponsored us, donated prizes for events and to everyone who has made generous donations.”

Both students are staying on in Tanzania for another week after their visit to do some sightseeing of their own.

Former Shavington High pupil Ellie, 19, now a student at Leeds University, said: “Kilimanjaro was the perfect opportunity to raise funds for a cause we are both really passionate about.

“It’s going to be tiring and hard work but it will definitely be an eye-opening experience which we are really looking forward to.”

Anyone willing to donate to Childreach International and support Jonny and Ellie’s trek can visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jonnygoesforastroll or https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/elliehill

Primary College 2012 gave up to 1,200 primary school children the chance to try new activities, from beauty and break dancing to felt making and falconry.

Sporting activities were also on offer including tag rugby, quick cricket, athletics and Korf Ball.

Primary College, now in its 18th year, brought together youngsters from over 30 primary schools in Crewe and Nantwich.

It’s designed to offer an experience of college at an early age and many sign up for courses once they leave high school.

Mike Finney, head of schools liaison at South Cheshire College, said: “Every year Primary College gets bigger and better and this week was no different to previous events.

“Youngsters turned their hands to a complete range of activities and the aim of the week was to give primary school children the chance to try fun, new activities and get a taste for further education.”

College staff, students and ex-students gave their time voluntarily to help and children were able to choose from up to 35 different options in advance.

Local high schools including Sir William Stanier, Ruskin, St Thomas More, Shavington and King’s Grove supported the event.

Mayor of Cheshire East Cllr George Walton also attended.

Primary College 2012 was sponsored by local businesses and organisations including Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire Service, Blue Cross, Chatwins, British Transport Police, Nutalls and Speight of the Art.

Mike added: “Primary College is very much a team effort which is supported by staff and students at college and members of the local community.

“I’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone who helped to make Primary College such a successful event again this year.”