From the Evening News, December 11, 1992 - A SHOP owner is putting up the shutters for the last time after ram-raiders wrecked his business.

Michael Cunningham has been forced to close his sports shop after three attacks on his premises. In two years, he has suffered two ram-raids and a burglary at his shop at the Hulton District Shopping Precinct, Little Hulton, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. Mr Cunningham has decided that enough is enough.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, December 10, 1977

BOLTON'S "Christmas Cracker" shopping spree burst into top gear today. With still a fortnight left before Christmas, town centre stores are reporting a bonanza with sale of many goods up 20 per cent on last year.

FOOTBALLING dolphins, bicycle-riding parrots, and performing sea-lions are treats in store for visitors to Horwich Pool during the next three weeks. One of the strangest shows to be staged at a public swimming baths is all set to pack them in during the run-up to Christmas.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, December 11, 1952

SIXTEEN-year-old Christopher Craig, the boy with a mania for guns, and his 19-years-old friend, Derek William Bentley, in a hushed and crowded court at the Old Bailey today, were both convicted of murdering PC Sidney Miles, shot by Craig in the darkness of a Croydon roof-top on Nov. 2nd.

Bentley was sentenced to death. Craig, who is too young for the death sentence, was ordered to be detained until the Queen's pleasure be known. The jury made a recommendation of mercy for Bentley.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, December 11, 1902

OVER 400 poor hungry children from all parts of Bolton made their way to the Central Mission Hall, at noon today, and were regaled with a plentiful supply of hot soup and bread.

The recent severe weather has increased the number of children needing dinners, and also sharpened their appetites. A large number of applications for children's clogs are being received, and are being acceded to after careful inquiry.

Funds are urgently needed, and the banking account is overdrawn, and more dinners will need to be given if this cold weather continues.

WE are desired to state that the limit of accommodation at the Town Hall for the Mayor and Mayoress's Juvenile Ball is now fully taken up by the invitations accepted, and that consequently the Mayor and Mayoress much regret that a large number of applications received cannot be complied with, and that only those having invitation cards can be admitted to the Hall on the occasion.