Bolton's Tobutt Sports celebrates 100 years serving town

Dougie Tobutt, 72, the third in his family to run Tobutt Sports on Blackburn Road, welcomed crowds to mark a century of the popular business.

Raising a glass to ‘the next 100 years', he said: “It has been a rollercoaster, we have had highs, lows and a pandemic but we're still going.

Dougie Tobutt with his daughter, Mandy Foster (Image: Newsquest)

“I also want to say that a fifth generation of Tobutt’s has now joined our team, as my granddaughter is working part-time with her mum, my daughter Mandy, who has taken ownership.”

Mandy Foster, the fourth generation of Tobutts to work at the store, started there part-time at the age of 14.

The first shop in 1923 (Image: Archive)

She said: “I have always been into sport, it was my passion, but my dad always encouraged me to go and do something else but I think I always wanted to end up here.

“I'm so proud that we have made it to 100 because it has been tough and it has been scary seeing shops closing around us too but thankfully we are still going.”

Dougie Tobutt, 72 (Image: Newsquest)

Having recently re-acquired a rare pair of football boots, signed by England and Preston North End legend Tom Finney, Tobutt’s showed off the new addition to their historical collection.

Alongside the new boots, shoes and kit worn by the late British runner, Ron Hill, were also displayed in the store.

Ron Hill's 1970 British Common Wealth Games kit (Image: Newsquest)

Mandy said: "Ron helped us celebrate our 90th birthday a few years ago and he was really up for coming back again for the 100th. 

"Unfortunately, Ron passed away in 2021, so we have some of his kit, including a pair of trainers he designed with Reebok and his 1970 British Common Wealth Games kit."

Memorabilia in the store (Image: Newsquest)

The store, which began on Higher Bridge Street in 1923, was opened by Dougie’s grandfather Len who was in his 30s at the time.

His son Geoffrey helped out after the Second World War and after the death of Len in 1965 Geoffrey came in before later taking over.

Dougie Tobutt with his daughter, Mandy Foster, and granddaughter (Image: Newsquest)

Dougie was drafted into the family business the same year and it has flourished ever since. 

He has expanded the business to include the Good Health Centre and has studied around the country, earning more than 20 diplomas in sports therapy and massage.

If you have a story, please email me at Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk or tweet @Heywoodharriet_