A SPLASHING finale marked the end of the Bolton Food and Drink Festival as celebrity chefs, traders and stall holders completed the ice bucket challenge.

Andrew Nutter and Debbie Halls-Evans were among the brave participants to be doused in a bucket of ice water.

The craze, which has gone viral on social media sites, raises awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

TV favourite and owner of Nutter restaurant Andrew said it was a brilliant way to mark the end of the four-day festival, which has seen thousands of people come to Bolton to visit the stalls and watch culinary demonstrations.

He added: “There wasn’t just one bucket — there was a second, then a third, and then a fourth.

“It was good to see so many people crowd around and people get their own back by throwing the water.”

Andrew nominated chef Ainsley Harriot to complete the challenge next, while Debbie named Michael Caines as her target.

Speaking after the icing she said: “I’m very cold and I don’t have any clothes to change into.

“But what a way to end the festival, it’s a brilliant finale.

“I’m sure Michael will take up the challenge next.”

Keith Davies, director of development and regeneration at Bolton Council, was in the crowd watching the spectacle.

He said: “This was only planned in the last 24 hours, and they’ve all been really good sports taking up the challenge.”