CROWDS lined the streets of Horwich to celebrate a centenary -- and pay thanks to one of Bolton's most famous sons for giving the town a very special gift.

This week marks 100 years since Lord Leverhulme dedicated Lever Park in Horwich to the people of Bolton.

Residents watched yesterday as a brass band led a procession to the popular park to mark the occasion in style.

Bolton's Hoover Band paved the way before the Vicar of Bolton, Canon Michael Williams, re-dedicated the park to the people of Horwich and Rivington in a special ceremony.

He said: "Over the last 100 years, this park has brought great benefits to Bolton and the surrounding neighbourhood.

"It is a celebration of all that nature and human cultivation and care working together can achieve.

"It is a bit of a Garden of Eden in our midst. We pledge ourselves to its upkeep and preservation for generations to come."

The procession then travelled to the ruins of nearby Liverpool Castle. Spectators enjoyed entertainment from Bolton Octagon's youth theatre and drama group Activ8, who performed a play outlining the history of the park and Lord Leverhulme.

Poetry recitals, music and dancing were also featured.

The Liverpool Corporation Act of 1902 established the park "for the use and enjoyment of the public forever". For many, the park is a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful moorland scenery Rivington and Horwich offer.

The park was one of soap magnate Lord Leverhulme's gifts to Bolton -- which include Leverhulme Park between Breightmet and Darcy Lever.

Resident Margaret Strayton, aged 50, of Horwich, said: "It is a place close to all our hearts -- a central place for the community."

LORD LEVERHULME FACTFILE

William Hesketh Lever, who later became the first Viscount Lord Leverhulme, was born in Wood Street, Bolton, on September 19, 1851, the son of a grocer.

Dubbed the "Soap King", he was a renowned industrialist who forged a fortune through manufacturing soap.

From earning one shilling a week, his finances rocketed and by 1918 his estate showed a surplus of £5 million.

Born to a long line of Levers -- including Robert Lever, founder of Bolton Grammar School in 1641 -- Lord Leverhulme became one of the town's most generous benefactors.

He saved and restored Hall i'th' Wood museum and funded the rebuilding of Bolton School.

His legacy includes Gt Lever, Little Lever and Darcy Lever.

A sale of the contents of his last home, Thornton Manor, on the Wirral, raised almost £10 million. He died aged 74 in 1925.