From the Evening News, July 20, 1904: KING Edward and Queen Alexandra were on Tuesday accorded a most enthusiastic reception on the occasion of their visit to Liverpool in connection with the laying of the foundation stone of the Cathedral on St James's Mount.

The Sovereign remarked at luncheon that it was a source of sincere pleasure to see around him so many magnificent buildings, so many benevolent institutions.

LYTHAM has a "living skeleton", taller and thinner than any other specimen, but his application to Barnum some time ago was unsuccessful, as he was a few pounds heavier than Barnum's man. He is 6ft 1 inch in height and weighs 7st 2lb. He was fined 2s 6d and costs, or seven days, at Lytham for being drunk and incapable. The constable who arrested him picked him up and carried him to the police station under his arm.

From the Evening News, July 20, 1954: THESE end-of-the-school-year days are, for those young men who will soon be leaving grammar schools to go into industry, to do their National Service or eventually to go to University, sad but exciting. Sad, because of the break with old associations and the possible loss of friends; exciting because of the prospect of new endeavours, new friendships and new associations. Exciting particularly this week, too, because of those school-leaving activities which are so enjoyable - the monitors' dinner, supper with the school captain, supper with the headmaster and finally the end-of-term dance. Who wouldn't be 16 or 17 just now?

From the Evening News, July 20, 1979: WHEN Michael Neil Ryan celebrates his 10th birthday tomorrow it will also be the 10th anniversary of the historic moment when American astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped on to the Moon. His parents, Mr Kevin Ryan and his wife Peggy, were so thrilled they christened the baby after Neil Armstrong and fellow astronaut on the moon Michael Collins. Michael Neil, of Wyresdale Road, Bolton, has been invited to appear in a special Granada television programme tonight to celebrate the anniversary of the historic landing.

HANGING is unlikely to be debated again during the present parliament after last night's 119 majority against the death penalty was much larger than expected. Mrs Thatcher voted for a return to hanging, but several of her Cabinet colleagues - including Deputy Leader William Whitelaw - voted against. Tories in favour included Charles Fletcher-Cooke (Darwen) and David Trippier (Rossendale).

From the Evening News, July 20, 1994: WESTHOUGHTON'S long-awaited town centre development looks to be on at last - after more than 15 years of setbacks. Bolton developers William Hargreaves Ltd met local councillors this week to explain the plans that will go before Bolton Council for approval next month.

NOISY neighbours are causing tempers to flare as the temperatures soar. Farnworth police say they have been inundated with complaints from people whose neighbours play loud music with the windows open. Over the last 10 years the number of complaints received by pollution control officers has trebled to more than 800 a year.