FEW public campaigns have captured the public's imagination like the fight to save Bolton's magistrates court.

The BEN has already collected more than 4,000 signatures for a petition.

The Greater Manchester Magistrates Courts Committee proposes closure of the court building because it would cost too much to modernise. They also want to close Salford's magistrates courts.

Bolton Council has now commissioned a university professor to conduct an independent survey into just what such a closure would mean to the town, and local justice.

Professor Bill Kapila is a partner in a leading North-west consultancy and training firm. He will study the impact of the closure of the magistrates courts on businesses and court users.

A town the size of Bolton needs its courts, and it needs them to be both visible and accessible.

On a strictly practical level, if cases were heard in neighbouring towns, there would be a huge, daily logistical problem in getting lawyers and witnesses to attend.

Protesters believe the best way forward would be either to modernise the current building or to build a new one, with the costs shared between the Government, the private sector and local authorities.

We believe that, not only would losing the court be detrimental to justice here, but the handsome building would be a municipal loss.

There is a major lobby in this town which will fight for the magistrates court to remain open. We wish Professor Kapila well in his study, and we hope that his findings reflect the best interests of Bolton and its people.

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Elvis fun for charity FUN in a good cause rightly attracts the most attention. And the Guide Dogs for the Blind is certainly a good cause.

The regional headquarters is based in Bolton, and there is a long association of fund-raising for the vital charity here.

Its latest event to raise cash is a series of Elvis contests at local pubs, with each one raising £600 to sponsor a guide dog puppy. As Guide Dogs' stalwart Rod Arthern demonstrates in this edition, dressing up as The King is enjoyable and entertaining. We hope that plenty of local pubs join in, and boost the work of this excellent organisation.