An historic event was held to celebrate the award of a grant of more than £1 million.

The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum in Widnes welcomed the grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund on Friday, November 15.

This grant will help the museum to celebrate the area's heritage, engage with the community, refurbish two galleries, and digitise much of its archive collection.

Mayor of Halton with artist Toni-Louise Carter (Image: Supplied) Trustees and patrons Sir Hugo Brunner and Peter Gossage welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond MBE, Sir Phil Redmond, Derek Twigg MP, and Mayor of Halton Kevan Wainwright to commemorate the occasion.

As part of the celebrations, guests enjoyed guided tours, informal speeches, and the unveiling of a new mural.

The mural, commissioned by Catalyst and funded by the Halton 50 Culture Grant from Halton Borough Council, was created by local artists Millie Chesters and Toni-Louise Carter.

It depicts scenes from West Bank over the past 50 years.

The event was attended by descendants from three past mayors of Widnes.

Peter Gossage, whose great-grandfather Frederick Herbert Gossage was the first mayor of Widnes in 1892, was among those present.

Halton Mayor with Chris Parlane, Peter Gossage, and Sue Woolley (Image: Supplied) The mayoral chain of office worn today is still the original chain presented to the borough by Frederick H Gossage.

Sue Woolley and Chris Parlane, whose great-grandfathers were mayors of Widnes in 1911 and 1917/18 respectively, were also in attendance.

Sir Hugo Brunner made a surprise donation of valuable historical artefacts to the museum.

The artefacts, which include medals and long service awards from chemical company Brunner Mond, will be added to the museum archive and put on display as the refurbishment progresses.

Sir Phil Redmond,  Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond, and Derek Twigg MP (Image: Supplied) Nikki Burton, CEO of Catalyst, said: "It was fantastic to welcome so many patrons and supporters to Catalyst, to celebrate the funding award and to share with them our aspirations for the future.

"We are eager to start this project which will truly elevate our heritage offering, celebrating the past and looking with excitement to the future."

The museum is now looking forward to beginning their project, which is set to elevate their heritage offerings and preserve their archives for future generations.

For more information about Catalyst and their projects, visit their website.