SOAP star Andy McNair set teenage hearts racing when he visited Bolton town centre to launch a new youth advice service.

Former Canon Slade School pupil Andy, aged 23, who plays Dan Hunter in Hollyoaks, signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans in Victoria Square while he helped launch Connexions, an advice and support service for teenagers in Bolton.

Andy lived in Atherton until two years ago when he went to live in London and ended up sharing a house with another Bolton lad who has become a well known face on TV-- Vernon Kay. Andy was signed up with a model agency when he auditioned for popular Channel 4 teen soap Hollyoaks and landed the role of moody mechanic Dan Hunter.

Despite his TV role, Andy, who now lives in Chorley, said: "I don't really think that I am famous, but often I get people who recognise me, or know my name, which is quite nice."

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Walsh, also supported the Connexions launch which included a host of different attractions for youngsters.

There was a Santa on stilts, robot men handed out Connexions leaflets, free makeovers were on offer, youngsters were able to skate on the artificial ice rink in Victoria Square for freeand there was a Pop Idol-style singing competition.

Hollyoaks fan Suzanne Bell, aged 14, was delighted to meet Andy. She said: "I think I'm going to cry. I'm in shock that I've met him."

Fellow fan Kaylee Stradling, also aged 14, said: "I am so excited to have met him."

Connexions replaces the old careers service and will offer help on a range of issues as well as jobs, including health. There is a Connexions shop in Bradshawgate.

There are also a series of outreach centres around Bolton.

Cllr Walsh said: "I think Connexions is an enormous step forward."

Outreach centres are at Gap, on Halliwell Road, Farnworth Youth Centre; the Youth workshop in the town centre, Wellfield in Deane and 226-228 St Helen's Road, Chatsworth House on Bold Street is the specialist careers advice access point and is staffed by full time personal advisers.