A 50-YEAR-OLD mobile crane which has been a permanent fixture in Bolton for decades will shortly be leaving town.

The crane, in the yard of Thomas Mitchell and Sons Ltd, an engineering firm in Edgar Street, has been sold and will soon be taken to Cheshire for restoration by its new owners.

Ben Mitchell, aged 30, son of the current manager, said: "It's a 1952 mobile crane and has stood there for about 30 years. We could have had it scrapped, but decided to hold on to it until we found someone who would restore it.

"People are used to seeing the crane because it's been there for so long. Many people who walk past point at it."

The crane, originally owned by the RAF, was used by the firm for installing and removing engineering equipment. Mr Mitchell said: "The crane has not been on the road since 1972, but has been used within the yard over the years."