CORONATION Street's cheeky Tyrone was thinking of sunnier climes when he officially opened the new Bolton Co-op Travel Superstore.

Actor Alan Halsall, alias Tyrone, from Walkden, was on hand to sign autographs and pose for pictures, as well as give his verdict on his favourite foreign places.

His character in the top TV soap will have plenty of time to relax after he was sacked from Kevin's garage for playing a part in an MOT fraud.

At the opening of the store, at the Burnden Retail Park, on Manchester Road, Alan used a large pair of novelty scissors to cut through a yellow ribbon.

He said: "I think the store is brilliant and I especially like the projected image of clouds and blue sky on the ceiling. It really puts you in the holiday mood.

"I went to the Maldives in September, which was great and I am planning to go scuba diving in Fiji this year."

General Manager Melissa Gardiner said: "I'm sure we can help him spend some of his earnings on a dream holiday."

Alan was invited to open the store because of his local connections,. He is also a friend of Co-op Travel Superstore employee Alistair Roland.

He said: "I have had a great response from customers. I will stay and sign autographs for as long as people keep arriving, then I will be off home to watch the football."