From the Evening News, December 10, 1992 - FOUR youths are being questioned by police after a suspect bomb sparked a major security alert in Little Lever last night.

Up to 100 people, many of them pensioners, were evacuated to the Kershaw Avenue Community Centre after a suspect package in a bin liner was discovered at Millington's timber yard. Special branch officers were called in and found that the package was a very elaborate hoax.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

December 9, 1977

DETECTIVES are investigating a fire which ripped through the hall at Tonge High School, Bolton, last night, causing about £5,000 damage. But the blaze is not thought to have been started deliberately - a cigarette end many have been the cause. Soldiers based in Bolton during the firemen's strike had the blaze under control in 20 minutes. Children at the 480-pupil school made do with a cold lunch today on makeshift tables in the corridors.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

December 10, 1952

SILVER was once mined in the Rivington hills. Apart from coal and fireclay, which is still bringing wealth and employment to the district, there were, about a century ago, lead mines at Anglezarke, and local residents can take visitors to see the old workings.

In the lead ore there was a content of silver, but as this was less than 4oz. to the ton, it did not repay the job of separation, and it used to be left to the smelter to separate. Of more value than this ore today are the silver streams of pure water that pour down from the area into huge reservoirs.

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News,

December 10, 1902

JOSEPH Bristowe (42), described as a chimney sweeper, of Spring Gardens, has a black record. He came once more before the Borough Magistrates this morning, to answer a charge of gambling. Mr J.H. Hall prosecuted, and the evidence showed that on Sunday afternoon, PC Edge received information that men were playing the three-card trick in New-st., a part of Ormrod-st.

On reaching Blackhorse-st. he heard that the Sergeant had gone to the spot. Bristowe than came running down New-st., and the officer caught him at the corner of Blackhorse-st. - James Geere, of Noble-st., and Wm. Fell, 22, Shuttle-st., spoke to seeing prisoner playing the game, and also to his drawing some 5s (25p) in about five minutes. - Prisoner denied the charge, stating that he had only just come out of prison for playing the three-card trick at Blackpool. The Magistrates sent him to gaol for three months with hard labour. - Prisoner: Well, what am I to do? I shall have to start again when I come out, and then I shall have to go down again, I suppose.