WE can no longer hide from it.

Despite it still being only October, the festive preparations are well and truly gathering pace.

Bolton's Christmas Lights switch on is just a few weeks away.

And this year it's going to be even bigger and better than ever with the BBC filming The One Show from our fine town.

It's always a wonderful day in Bolton's calendar.

Thousands of people flock to Victoria Square and the excitement is there to see on every little one's face.

But there are always some folk who insist on knocking Bolton.

Yes, it's suffering the same problems as every other town centre in the country, but those in the know are working to turn Bolton's fortunes round.

So, this year, instead of knocking what's being done, especially when our town has its moment in the national television spotlight, I hope everyone gets behind it.

Oh, and I suppose I better start my Christmas shopping.