What we learned about Wythenshawe after interviewing 100 of its residents

We spent much of the summer speaking to people in Wythenshawe - 100 of them to be precise - to try to capture its first century in the words of those who have lived it.

The project was set up to mark 100 years since Wythenshawe Hall was donated to Manchester Corporation.

With 100 interviews, it was not a small undertaking to work on but the first lesson we learned was just how close-knit Wythenshawe is.

As we chatted to one person, with ease they would list off five more we should speak with.

From the local sports clubs to smaller community painting classes and music lessons for kids at the Forum, Wythenshawe has a lot of people dedicated to serving the community.

Many of those we spoke with drew upon their own experiences.

Take Michael Muldowny, for example. He started a community group and knife amnesty day after his brother John Muldowny was fatally stabbed in 2010.

Jimmy Egan's Boxing Academy is now run by his son Steve Egan.

Steve said the neighbours were "buzzing" when they moved into the area in the hope that the sport would help tackle problems caused by anti-social behaviour.

He credited his boxing classes with teaching the kids of Wythenshawe "discipline, manners and respect".

One of our first questions was always: ''What's your favourite part about Wythenshawe?''

We thought we would get a variety of answers - places, shops, restaurants - but there was one answer came up time and time again.

"The people. The community."

Marie Greenhalgh, 71, described Wythenshawe as ''one big community, and millions of little communities'' while Andrew Roberts, 47, who moved up from the south of England 17 years ago, said he met ''all my mates here".

"[They are] the most genuine people I've ever met in my life, now I call it my home," he said.

When asked to give one word to describe Wythenshawe, answers included "misunderstood, underdog, community, kindness".

There was a general feeling that people from outside of Wythenshawe looked down on it, and that negative headlines did not represent those that called it home.

Lexie, 15, said: "People outside of Wythenshawe don't see it as a good place but if you actually live here and see how it is, it's a lot better than people make it out to be."

This sentiment was echoed down at the market in Civic.

This is a place that came up often in our conversations.

It is at the heart of the town and is loved by many.

Ben Corrie's Carpet Man shop has been part of the precinct for 35 years.

"There's a real solidarity amongst the people of Wythenshawe," he said.

"We can all knock it amongst ourselves, but if you're from outside of the area, we're quite loyal to the area.

"You get your back up and want to defend the place."

Yetunde Hundeyin, who owns Tolman's Beauty World with her husband Bodunrin, said: "You don't judge the book by the cover - you need to come live in the place.

"The people are so loving, so amazing."

Parts of Wythenshawe are currently being demolished as part of a £500m urban regeneration project in Greater Manchester.

However, not all the residents are happy about this.

Sheila Fasoli, 77, questioned why they had closed the market down while Breda Bourne, 78, felt more optimistic.

''It's changed a lot over the years," said Breda. "If it's done in my lifetime it should be nice."

While we spent a long time looking back at the past century of Wythenshawe, it is important to discuss what the next generation wants to see.

Millie, 15, wants ''more events'' like the Wythenshawe Live annual music festival.

''I think people travel from all over for that,'' she said.

Many of the teenagers we spoke to, including Fallon, said they wanted ''more places being built for the younger generation".

"We're in the age gap where everything is too childish, but we're not old enough to go into town," said the 16-year-old.

Connor, 15, said he wanted "more control over making [Wythenshawe] look nice".

He explained: "We have actually got nice areas and green spaces but there's always rubbish on the floor so get that cleaned up."

On a similar theme, fellow 15-year-old Kaide hoped more could be done with ''abandoned buildings".

Kurtis Reid, 35, also hopes to see more investment for the younger residents, and more opportunities for their talent.

"There's a lot of talent in Wythenshawe," he said. "I feel like I'm discovering it every month."

While there have been many changes in the past 100 years, the original principles of the garden city remain.

Many said the greenery was what made it such a good place to live, a century later.

Anne Panks, 90, said she "thought we were in heaven" when they first moved here because of all the grass and trees.

Lynn Moore added: "That's what I love about it, the greenery and the trees everywhere around you."

A highlight of many local residents' childhoods was playing out in the great outdoors.

From Helen Massey, 79, remembered the endless fields of her childhood.

At the other end of the age spectrum, 11-year-old Lara said he favourite thing about living in the area was Wythenshawe Park.

Shreyasi, 15, said she hoped Wythenshawe would hold on to its green values.

We hope this project will be a lasting legacy to the people who have helped shaped Wythenshawe over the past century.

Here's to the next 100 years!

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