MANY Bolton folk have vivid memories of the day exactly 20 years ago that the Albert Hall in Bolton Town Hall was destroyed by fire reports Gayle McBain

Some people were taking part in a flower show inside the building and had to be evacuated.

Others were walking through the town centre after a Saturday shopping trip. We have heard from people from all walks of life who remember that day.

Their recollections are very different but have one thing in common -- a great sadness at the loss of a special landmark. Fred Saunders was treasurer of the Bolton and District Horticultural and Chrysanthemum Society at the time of the fire. It was he who raised the alarm.

Here is what Mr Saunders, and other BEN readers who remember that historic night in 1981, had to say: