SHOPPERS basked in a summer oasis as Victoria Square was transformed into a beach for the Bolton By The Sea fun day.

Despite being 40 miles from the sea and under leaden skies, children frolicked in a sand pit and ball pool as the air was filled with summer sounds. Seaside-themed entertainment including a Punch and Judy show, face painting and clowns brought smiles to children's faces. African dancers and a steel band helped add to the carnival atmosphere as the sun briefly shone and there were even sticks of Bolton rock. Shoppers also got to try their hand at arts and crafts including water painting, ceramics, photography and an introduction to interior design at a stall run by Bolton Community College.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institute hosted their annual flag day to let children take a look at one of their lifeboats and to promote beach safety through fun activities.

BUSINESS AND PLEASURE: Four town centre ambassadors enjoy the fun as the seaside comes to Bolton town centre, from left, Sebastian Pearce, Brian Crebbin, Graham O'Brien and Mary Atherton