NO-ONE parties like the people of Bolton. Give us a Jubilee, a World Cup or a Charter and we'll throw a celebration to suit.

The latest jollity to be had locally took place at the weekend, centring on the 750th anniversary of the borough's charter.

Entertainers, stalls and masses of people converged mainly on historic Churchgate. The Mayor, Cllr John Walsh -- who conceived the celebration -- joined in with gusto, and with any luck, the mediaeval street market could become an annual event.

I fervently hope so. People need fun in their lives and a combination of dressing up and bargains to be had is almost irresistible.