CUPID came to town and gave unsuspecting shoppers an unusual Valentine's Day surprise.

Instead of firing arrows at star-crossed lovers, Cupid and an angel pounced on passers by and gave them a fright.

Standing perfectly still and painted in silver, perfomance artists Matt Walters and Tish Bell, from the Mechanical Fracture company, only moved every few minutes as people walked by.

One "victim", Jackie Wayell, aged 50, said: "Cupid went to grab me and I nearly jumped out of my skin. They are both very good. I hardly even noticed him until he moved."

Carol Aughton, aged 58, of Tonge Fold, said: "He was brilliant. I can't believe I was touched by him. I didn't notice until he put his hand on my shoulder."

Lillian Fox, aged 58, from Manchester, said: "If you look at Cupid you can't even see his tummy moving."

Matt Walters, who started Mechanical Fracture 15 years ago, has been to countries around the world with his routine and has been to Bolton before.

He said: "We really like coming here because the reception we get is always brilliant."

Tish added: "You never know what is going to happen next and it is always amazing to see people's reactions."

A spokesman for the Market Place shopping centre, which played host to the statues, said: "Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the year and we decided to treat our shoppers to an extra little surprise."