ONE lucky shopper is off to Disneyland in the New Year after winning a wordsearch competition.

Emily Ford won the top prize in the competition organised by Winsford Cross Shopping Centre. To win the prize, Emily had to complete the wordsearch to find a missing word.

She received her prize from operations manager Carol Lyon (pictured presenting the award) at the shopping centre on Wednesday. Runners-up in the competition including Lesley Simons, Elena Devaney, Emily Ford, Ashley Kennedy and Mary Bradley won reindeer adoption packs, Christmas hampers and tickets to see Mid Cheshire's big Christmas panto, Dick Whittington.

A SERVICE providing temporary accommodation to homeless young women in Vale Royal found Christmas an extra busy time of year.

Cotswold House in Winsford aims to provide quality supported temporary accommodation for single homeless women aged between 16 and 35 years and has been providing support and accommodation for more than 17 years. The service is owned by Weaver Vale Housing Trust which owns and manages more than 6,000 ex-council properties in Vale Royal.

Staff find that this time of year can be busy with demand for temporary accommodation high.

The manager of Cotswold House said: 'Christmas can be a very emotionally demanding time for families and unfortunately this can sometimes lead to young women becoming temporarily homeless. We aim to provide a supportive and stable environment for them and understand how difficult it can be to be away from friends and loved ones at this time of year.'

She said the service provides a 'supportive, non-judgmental and confidential environment' where staff focus on empowering young women to plan and develop their own essential life and social skills for future independent living. It has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment including new bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and landscaped garden which was funded by a community grant from the Abbey National.

A resident currently living at Cotswold House, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'I really love living here, the staff understand me and I've made lots of new friends.'

Cotswold House is open to residents 365 days per year and includes staff who work through the night, providing a safe and secure environment.

Call 01606 813300 for further information.

CHANGES to the local policing structure will be discussed at the next Joint Dane Valley Area Forum.

Chief Superintendent Phil Thompson will speak about the changes in the organisation and working methods of Cheshire police, coming into force in April next year.

The area forum, covering Middlewich, Cranage and the surrounding area, will be held on Tuesday, January 11, at 7pm at the Infant School Hall, Goostrey Primary School, Main Road, Goostrey.

Rural and parish issues, as well as questions from members of the public, will also be discussed at the meeting and councillors will be there so residents can speak to them directly about their concerns.

THERE was an attempted burglary at a property on Malborough Avenue, Winsford, between December 20 and 22. The burglar attempted to enter via a conservatory but was unsuccessful.