A TOP Romanian relief worker has praised Bolton "mercy men" for their efforts to aid the beleaguered East European country.

Alfred Eagers -- who heads the Venture Romania Direct organisation -- said mercy missions by local firefighters and a police team have been well planned and targeted to the needs of the troubled country. A 23-strong police team, including six from Bolton, returned from Romania two weeks ago. The delivered 80 tons of medical supplies, food and clothing to orphanages and schools on the 3,000 mile trek. Mr Eagers is in Bolton to finalise details of a mission by a team led by the firemen from the Moor Lane Fire Station.

25 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, May 6, 1977

THE Conservatives have scored a sensational local election rout of Labour which has left most of the county halls of England and Wales in Tory hands. Mrs Margaret Thatcher summed up the triumph in five words: "We have hit the jackpot."

A GOVERNMENT amendment to the Finance Bill cancelling the Budget proposals to increase petrol tax by five and a half pence a gallon was published today. The amendment amounts to a complete retreat because of the attitude of the Government's Liberal allies, who said they would not be able to vote for the increase when it is debated in the Commons.

50 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, May 5, 1952

THE Ministry of Agriculture reported today that over the weekend there have been 17 new outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. This brings the total since the epidemic started in November to 235. Latest figures place the present outbreak within the category of the last widespread outbreak of 1942, when the total for the year reached 670 and 58,457 head of livestock, including 27,643 cattle were slaughtered. This time so far, the total of animals slaughtered has risen to 13,678 cattle, 7,646 sheep, 6,087 pigs, and 20 goats.

........

100 YEARS AGO

From the Evening News, May 5, 1902

AS the result of a sad street accident, the death took place at the Infirmary on Saturday afternoon of Annie Houston, the five-year-old daughter of Thomas Houston, stripper and grinder, 21, Balshow-st. The child, it appears, was playing in the vicinity of Gate-st. when a cart laden with setts, and driven by Charles Manwaring, 10, Eckersley-st., approached. In turning out of Deane-rd. into Gate-st. the carter failed to notice the child, but, hearing a shout, he immediately stopped the horse, and discovered the deceased under one of the wheels. The wheel had passed over her leg, shoulder and arm.

A carter, James Goulding, who saw the accident, picked up the child and carried her to the surgery of Dr Miller, from where she was removed to the Infirmary, where death took place as stated. At the inquest this morning, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.