IT'S that time again. Rosettes are being dusted off and doorbells are ringing -- babies could even be kissed -- as our election candidates attempt to secure a place in Bolton's most exclusive club.

A seat in the Council Chamber awaits the winners, while the losers face another 12 months watching enviously from the sidelines.

The race looks set to be one of the closest for years with the controlling Labour group defending a majority on Bolton council of just two seats.

After last May's elections, Labour had 31 seats, the Conservatives 16 and the Liberal Democrats had 13.

In this year's elections, Labour will be defending 11 of the 20 seats up for grabs.

The Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties are contesting every seat.

Arthur Scargill's Socialist Labour Party has five candidates and the Socialist Alliance Against the War has four candidates. There is a Green Party candidate in Little Lever ward.

The big difference in the Bolton council elections this year is that all the voting is being done by post. It is part of an experiment to encourage more people to vote.

Voting forms have already been sent out and residents are advised to return them by Tuesday, April 29, although forms will be accepted up until 9pm on Thurday, May 1, which is polling day elsewhere in the country.

Today the Bolton Evening News gives the party leaders their say on the issues.