LIMOUSINES, cocktail dresses and a red carpet — it can only be the Mayor of Bolton’s annual charity bash.

Glamorous guests were given the A-list celebrity treatment as they arrived in James Bond style in Victoria Square on Friday night.

For the first time, they were allowed the privilege of being driven right up to the town hall steps to make their entrance to the charity ball and cabaret night.

Mayors from across Bolton and Greater Manchester turned out to the glitzy event hosted by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Guy Harkin.

The ball is held every year to mark the end of each mayor’s year in office, but this time, Cllr Harkin gave the event the Hollywood treatment.

Guests in their gladrags were greeted with the James Bond theme tune as they climbed the town hall steps, while youngsters in full uniform from the Bolton Sea Cadets lined the red carpet to salute everyone as they entered the party zone.

Cllr Jean Gillies explained why the night was going to be one to remember.

She said: “This year we have definitely got more going on. We’ve got table magicians, a casino with prizes donated by local business people and a fantastic evening of entertainment lined up.

“It’s got a bit of everything with a bit more glitz and glamour.”

Cllr Christopher Peacock and the Mayor of Westhoughton, Cllr Ryan Battersby, also caused a stir when they arrived in a white stretch limo.

Cllr Peacock said: “The whole point of this evening is to celebrate the mayor’s year in office and support his chosen charities.

“It should be a good opportunity for everyone to let their hair down.”

Entertainment was provided by Paper Lace.

Lead singer Dean Michael came with his wife Karen.

He said: “Most people know us as Mr and Mrs Agadoo. We’ve come all the way from Leeds to be here.

“We’re really looking forward to it and hopefully we can raise a lot of money tonight.”

All proceeds from the evening will go to Cllr Harkin’s chosen charities, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Bolton Hospice and The Alzheimer’s Society.