THE Mayor of Bolton has given his seal of approval to a campaign that urges Boltonians to remember their Lancastrian roots.

Cllr John Walsh was presented with a symbolic red rose by The Friends of Real Lancashire -- a group that aims to promote the traditional county of Lancashire.

The presentation was part of Lancashire Day, which celebrates the date of November 27, 1295, when Lancashire's first elected representatives were called to the Palace of Westminster.

The Friends Of Real Lancashire believe that people have become confused about their Lancastrian roots because of various changes to administrative areas over the years.

Because Bolton is one of the 10 Metropolitan districts of Greater Manchester, some people no longer believe that they live in Lancashire. The Friends want people to realise that Bolton is still very much a part of the traditional boundaries of Lancashire -- and they encourage people to be proud of their Lancastrian identity and heritage.

Cllr John Walsh said: "Bolton has got real links with Lancashire, and I'm proud to receive the red rose from the Friends of Real Lancashire. I am a proud Lancastrian who believes that it is important to promote Bolton as being part of traditional Lancashire."

Brian White, a committee member of the FORL, said: "We feel that this campaign is important because it's all about giving people a sense of identity.

"If you asked 10 people in the streets of Bolton where they were from, you would not get a definite answer of Lancashire.

"We want people to realise that Bolton is still very much a part of Lancashire, and that we should be proud to be Lancastrians."