THERE is always a bit of excitement in the air when a royal visit comes to Bolton.

But on a freezing cold November day in 1988 things were definitely hotting up when the reigning Miss World paid a visit to the town.

Linda Petursdottir felt perfectly at home with the cold snap having arrived in the UK on a promotional tour from her native Iceland a week after winning the coveted beauty crown in the televised final held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

“I am very much looking forward to meeting local people. I think it is going to be fun,” she said. “This is my first visit to Britain and I have enjoyed it so far.”

Having stayed overnight at the Egerton House Hotel, Linda embarked on a series of promotional appearances at a number of shops and businesses in the town - all part of being Miss World.

The 18-year-old language student was the guest of the Bolton Evening News and wherever she went was met by crowds keen to get an autograph (it was well before the days of selfies!) and to congratulate her on her win.