AS 2023 draws to a close, it is time to remember some of the stories we covered this year.

Today, we continue with our look back on the year with more of the great images which featured in the Northwich and Winsford Guardian.

This article looks at the second half of the year from July to December. Take a look back at the first of the year here.

July

Northwich Guardian: An Alice in Wonderland-themed adventure golf course has opened in HartfordAn Alice in Wonderland-themed adventure golf course has opened in Hartford (Image: Hartford Golf Centre)There was excitement around the town after it was announced a new Alice in Wonderland-themed adventure golf course had opened in Hartford.

The new course at Hartford Golf Centre has already proved popular.

July also saw the return of the Krazy Races, which saw thousands of people descend on Northwich for a day of fun.

The popular event was a roaring success, but sadly won't be returning to the town for 2024.

Northwich Guardian: Team 'Cool Runnings' were raising money for Cancer Research UKTeam 'Cool Runnings' were raising money for Cancer Research UK (Image: Newsquest)

August

Youngsters across Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich joined thousands across the country in receiving their GCSE and A-level results in August.

The day was cause for much celebration as students received their grades before taking the next step in their lives.

Northwich Guardian: The 2023 GCSE students at The Grange SchoolThe 2023 GCSE students at The Grange School (Image: The Grange School)

When not celebrating academic achievements this month, residents of Northwich turned out in force for the return of immensely popular Piña Colada Festival.

An estimated 26,000 people make the most of the fine weather to enjoy the extra-special cocktails, food, parades, fairground rides, music, dancing, games, and all manner of festive crafts, in the town.

Northwich Guardian: Mr Colada, the festival mascot, joins in the funMr Colada, the festival mascot, joins in the fun (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

September

Early in the month a huge sinkhole appeared in the A556 dual carriageway, causing traffic issues for drivers heading into Northwich.

A lane closure was put in place until repairs, which were delayed due to bad weather, were completed.

Northwich Guardian: The sinkhole in the A556The sinkhole in the A556 (Image: Jamie Dimelow)

September also saw the first ever Pride event held in the Winsford, with residents showing their support.

The event featured entertainment from local artist and X-Factor finalist Sophie Bond, ABBA tribute group One More Look, drag queen GemiTy, and star of BBC3’s Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-up Star, Kieran Cox.

Northwich Guardian: Crowds soaking up the vibes at Winsford's first ever Pride festivalCrowds soaking up the vibes at Winsford's first ever Pride festival (Image: Winsford Town Council)

October

After almost two year since it closed following a landslip, Soot Hill finally re-opened to traffic.

Northwich Guardian: The Soot Hill road closure ended on October 27The Soot Hill road closure ended on October 27 (Image: Newsquest)

Drivers, residents and campaigners were delighted with the news, which marked the end of a challenging period for those affected.

It was also announced this month that a national treasure and a Britain's Got Talent winner had joined the cast for this year's Northwich panto.

Legendary Family Fortunes presenter Les Dennis and BGT winner Ashleigh Butler met with the rest of the Beauty and the Beast cast for the first time on October 17.

Northwich Guardian: Les Dennis and BGT winner Ashleigh Butler, centre, with the cast of the Northwich Christmas pantoLes Dennis and BGT winner Ashleigh Butler, centre, with the cast of the Northwich Christmas panto (Image: Newsquest)

November

Community spirit was shown to be alive and well in Winsford in November as the town rallied around pensioner Ann Rowlands, who had been conned out of her life savings by rogue roofers.

The 81-year-old was left with no proper roof on her house as the conmen made off with more than £20,000 of her money.

Northwich Guardian: Winsford tradesmen came to Ann Rowlands' rescue and repaired her roof for freeWinsford tradesmen came to Ann Rowlands' rescue and repaired her roof for free (Image: Simon Smith)

But traders in the town stepped up to offer their help, restoring her roof free of charge.

The end of month also saw the festive season kick off, with the huge Christmas Extravaganza event taking place in Northwich town centre.

The day of fun, family activities culminated in a spectacular fireworks display.

Northwich Guardian: Fireworks concluded a special day in NorthwichFireworks concluded a special day in Northwich (Image: Karl Brooks Photography) 

December

Petty Pool announced plans for a major development of its site in Sandiway. The project would see a new outdoor campus and activity centre built.

Northwich Guardian: An artist's impression of what the new outdoor education centre could look likeAn artist's impression of what the new outdoor education centre could look like (Image: Petty Pool)

Costing around £11 million, the development - if approved - will take around eight years to complete.

In December we also caught up with The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess, who grew up in Northwich.

The 56-year-old was taking time out of the band's UK tour to support a charity helping the homeless.

Northwich Guardian: Tim with Paper Cup Project founder Michelle LanganTim with Paper Cup Project founder Michelle Langan (Image: Newsquest)

Tim swapped his microphone for a barista's apron to serve drinks at the Paper Cup Coffee café in Liverpool.