IN a recent Calvert's Diary in the Bolton Evening News, Alan Calvert told us about his trip to London to attend the Press Gazette's annual ceremony for the regional press at the Hilton in Park Lane (not bad for some!!).

Alan said that after seeing a succession of editors, writers and photographers receive honours, he began to realise that he had, perhaps, been doing something worthwhile for the past 40 years or so after all.

But Alan needn't have had any doubts. Local newspapers such as the Bolton Evening News do an invaluable job in keeping local people informed of local news and local events. In fact, for most of us the local paper is the only source of this vital information.

These days, I would dare to say, local newspapers play a more essential role than the national press, now that we have 24 hour coverage of national and international news via the TV.

Another significant role played by regional newspapers like the Bolton Evening News, is the worldwide website, which allows Boltonians the world over to keep abreast of news from their place of origin.

I find it amazing that I can have a friendly argument via the Letters Page of the Bolton Evening News with a reader in Kentucky, USA, and that a lady in Australia should send me a letter after reading on of mine.

We are very fortunate in Bolton to have such a top class local paper, with a top class staff. Keep up the excellent work, it really is worthwhile and very much appreciated.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton