ROYALIST Bolton is the Golden Jubilee party capital of the country.

The town is holding the biggest number of street parties to celebrate the Queen's 50th year anywhere outside London.

London has 214 parties planned but Bolton is head and shoulders above the rest of the country with 90.

Birmingham ranks third with 70 official parties.

Bolton's official events will also be boosted by groups holding parties in cul-de-sacs, which do not need special permission. Hundreds more will have unofficial parties with family and friends.

A nationwide survey has found party-mad Brits in Bolton, Liverpool, Leeds and London are putting cities like Aberdeen, Sheffield and Stoke-on-Trent, where there are no parties planned, to shame.

Neighbouring Manchester is reported to be holding just six official parties, whereas Wigan is fairing well.

The national response to this year's celebrations is in stark contrast to the Silver Jubilee in 1977 when around 12,000 street parties were held to mark the 25th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation.

Even offers by councils of up to £200 towards the parties, free bunting and tables and chairs have so far failed to boost a disappointing response elsewhere.

Mayor of Bolton Councillor John Walsh said the town's proud response was all thanks to its strong communities.

He said: "People in Bolton are happy to celebrate such an important event of public service.

"There is huge community spirit in the town.

"I look forward to visiting some of the many street parties and celebrations across the town. The demand on the budget set aside by the council to support such events is evidence of the scale of the celebrations.

"As well as the Queen's Jubilee, the Commonwealth Games will give us a unique opportunity. They badminton at the Bolton Arena and cycling at Rivington will ensure the best of Bolton is seen across the world."

Tom Gears from Cawdor Residents' Association in Farnworth is helping to organise an event for around 100 people at Doe Hey Community Building from 1pm on June 2.

He says he cannot understand why Bolton has reacted so well and there is so much apathy elsewhere.

He said: "We do not even have any royal links yet we are the ones celebrating.

"Everyone at ours will be presented with Jubilee medals. We began organising the event about 12 weeks ago and we are really looking forward to it. It is a real community event and everyone is pulling together to contribute."

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said they were very happy with the town's response.

She said: "It is fantastic that so many people are doing so much.

"Good old Bolton, we hope everyone enjoys themselves."

The Mayor would like to visit people holding parties. Ring (01204) 331090.