This July marks 175 years since Crewe became a major centre for employee relocation in Cheshire, thanks to the first trains that brought passengers and industrial opportunities into the region.

Bentley Motors has made Crewe its home since 1946, and is celebrating the 175th anniversary of the first train through Crewe by offering three lump sums to local charities.

The deserving causes are to be chosen from those nominated by Bentley’s associates, with £5,000, £3,000 and £2,000 to be awarded to those selected.

Christine Gaskell, member of the board for personnel at Bentley Motors, says: “As one of the biggest employers in the area, we wanted to mark the celebrations in a meaningful way that involved our employees and the local community.”

Bentley itself shows the value of employee relocation into the Cheshire region, with a thriving workforce of 4,000 people employed in the area.

The company is inviting nominations for worthy causes from its workforce until the end of June, and will announce the successful charities in August, following the anniversary of Crewe’s first passenger train during July.