From the Evening News, January 26, 1993: BRITAIN has become a nation of true "telly addicts" with 15 per cent of people saying they would not stop viewing for £1 million, a survey says.

CHANCELLOR Norman Lamont today slashed interest rates by one per cent to six per cent -- the lowest level since 1977, and immediately building societies started to chop mortgage rates.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, January 27, 1978

COUNCILLORS are not competent, fit, or trained to be involved in film censorship, Counc. Peter Johnson told members of Bolton Council last night.

He objected to a plan for local authorities to be represented on a new film vetting body, but the Council voted for the plan.

A DUTCH textile boss explained today why he came to Bolton to recruit skilled weavers.

He said that unemployed textile workers in Holland were "happier on the dole" because social security payments were so high.

As a result, three young men from Bolton, Westhoughton and Tyldesley will be "going Dutch" next month, earning £112 for a 40-hour week.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, January 26, 1953

DR Charles Hill, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, announced in the Commons this afternoon extra food allowances for the Coronation -- "the historic occasion justifying some exceptional provision to help people to celebrate in a traditional festive spirit."

To help private entertaining in the home there will be a special bonus of 1lb of sugar and lb of margarine distributed during the Coronation period.

The special sugar bonus will be additional to any provided for domestic jam making.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, January 27, 1903

THE ten days' mission which Gipsy Smith, the well-known evangelist, has conducted at the Victoria Hall has created a deep impression and a great wave of enthusiasm in religious circles in the town.

People of almost all denominations have flocked to the beautiful hall for each service, and many memorable congregations have been stirred by the earnest appeals of the Gipsy, who tonight closes his campaign with a lecture on "From Gipsy's Tent to Pulpit". On Saturday afternoon, a children's service, attended by some 1,500 juveniles, was held, an address being given by Gipsy Smith's daughter, and about 500 decided for Christ.

On Sunday evening, the hall was filled seven minutes after the doors were opened, and thousands were turned away, the crowd on one side stretched away to St. George's Church and on the other to the junction with Deansgate.