A Bolton schoolboy wowed audiences from across the region with his Hindu dance group.

Milan Paul Kumar, the Bolton News Young Person of the Year, was one of several youngsters performing at Manchester’s Kimpton Clock Tower Hotel.

The 10-year-old was there as part of Bolton Mandhata Youth’s performance at Forever Manchester’s biggest fund-raising event of the year.

Milan said: "It was a late night, we were not on stage until 10pm, but it was worth the wait.

The Bolton News: Milan with fellow members of BMYMilan with fellow members of BMY (Image: Public)

“The audience was cheering, clapping, screaming, whistling, it was louder than a football stadium!

“We were so proud to perform in front of them."

Milan has been member of BMY since he was four years old.

He said: "I would like to thank BMY volunteers who dedicate their time to the group, enabling us to do dance performances, have parties, go on trips including the Lake District and lots more fun activities.

“Volunteering matters and we do appreciate it."

The Bolton News: Milan and his aunt Roopa PatelMilan and his aunt Roopa Patel (Image: Public)

The group was supported by Milan’s aunt Roopa Patel, from Westhoughton, who volunteers her time to choreograph dance routines for the award-winning group.

Ms Patel said: "I am so proud of the group who have worked incredibly hard to practise their dance routines.”

BMY is based at the Krishna Mandir temple on Beverley Road, Bolton and is one of several organisations that receives grant funding from Forever Manchester.

Run by volunteer Meena Patel, BMY works to encourage young people from the community to develop into confident individuals with good values and a strong sense of identity. 

The Kimpton Clock Tower event managed to raise a total of £90,675 thanks to the efforts of groups like BMY.

The group was among more than 400 supporters who came together to celebrate the work that the organisation does.

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A statement from Forever Manchester said: “After a turbulent 2022, it was a particularly celebratory night, reminding us all of the importance of community and human connection.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that contributed to a truly entertaining and inspirational night.

“There was certainly something special in the air, with a record-breaking amount being raised.”