AN ARCHWAY, towering 30 feet high and leading into a magical medieval market, is to give Bolton shoppers an introduction to 13th Century life.

The impressive landmark, with two towers, will stand on Churchgate in Bolton town centre, close to the Market Cross, and will be a focal point of Bolton's big Charter party which is to take place in January.

Traffic will still be able to get through and pedestrians will be able to walk under -- and over -- the arch.

The magnificent landmark will stand for a two-week period from Saturday, January 11, to Saturday, January 25, as part of celebrations to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the Earl of Derby's Charter to the town, which granted the right to hold a market.

The Charter, signed on January 14, 1253, was instrumental in making Bolton a centre of trade and commerce. It put Bolton on the map, marking the beginning of the town as it is today.

The Mayor, Cllr John Walsh, who is the driving force behind the Charter celebrations, said the medieval style archway would be similiar to the one put up in Churchgate to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

At either end of the archway, there will be towers standing three storeys high. There will be a staircase in each tower and there will be a walkway along the top of the arch. False arrow-slits will be dotted up each tower and the archway will be decorated with flagpoles and shields, which will be used by advertisers and sponsors.

The archway will be built from scaffolding with plywood and canvass panelling and the towers will be clad in painted plywood panels.

During some of the celebrations, trumpeters will play a fanfare from the parapet to add to the atmosphere.

The medieval market will be held beyond the archway on January 18 and 19. It will feature a variety of stalls selling everything from crafts to foods and strolling minstrels and other costumed entertainers, typical of the 13th Century, will be there.

The archway and medieval market are among a number of Charter celebrations planned in the town. On January 14, there will be a re-enactment of the signing of the Charter and on January 17 there will be a charity ball.