YOUNG and old celebrated their area's history when they rolled out the barrel for a Victorian Fun Day in Egerton Park.

Hundreds gathered in blazing sunshine for this year's spectacular two-day party organised by the Egerton and Eagley Heritage Society.

And they showed that community spirit is still alive and well in a corner of Bolton that has changed very little since Queen Victoria's reign.

There were fairground organs, games, rides and even a traditional coconut shy.

Mums dressed as Victorian ladies with hats, silk gloves and parasols -- while youngsters from Egerton played tug-of-war and other sports against children from Bromley Cross.

The fun-day was opened by pensioner Florence Simpson and local MP David Crausby was among the guests.

Delighted organisers have been holding the event for the past three years. They hope to raise £120,000 to restore the derelict park keeper's house while showing the community what an asset the park can be.

The house was condemned in the 1960s but the Heritage Society wants to convert the building into a centre where the village's history can be celebrated and to provide a base for the area's youth.

The society's chairman Tony Muscat was thrilled to see the park being so well-used.

He said: "This has been a fantastic weekend for the whole community and it could not have gone ahead without the hard work of a lot of people."