THE flags were out at Moss Bank Park when Bolton-born minature train enthusiast Albert Stones took a group of VIPs on a journey on Bolton's newly refurbished Commonwealth Games train.
Cllr John Byrne, Bolton Council's executive member for culture; education director Margaret Blenkinsop; and deputy director of education and culture John Shepley were taken for a ride through the park.
As part of Bolton's involvement in next year's major sporting spectacle, the train has been painted to reflect the spirit of the Commonwealth Games in the borough's official colours of yellow and purple.
The steam train has been an attraction at Moss Bank Park since 1987 and has carried a 240,000 passengers, young and old.
Cllr Byrne said: "The train is an asset to Moss Bank Park and has received much acclaim over the 14 years that it has been in service, both as an attraction to the park and as a source of fundraising for local charities.
"The people of Bolton are proud that their town will host events for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, which will be the biggest international sporting event to come to Great Britain."
One of only two venues outside Manchester, Bolton will play host to the badminton event starting on July 24.
The 10-day event will be held at Bolton Arena and an expected one million visitors are expected to visit the region.
Operating on all Sundays throughout the year, except Christmas Day, a ride on the train costs 25p and, thanks to the volunteers who build and maintain the locomotives, the operation is self-financing.
On 10 Saturdays in the year the train operates to raise money for local charities.
Among charities to have received donations from the "Saturday specials" are Bolton Hospice, Bolton Cardiac Support, Christies Hospital and The Samaritans, and last year's contribution to the RNLI was for £1,500.
Next year the chosen charity will be CHAT (the Children's Hospitals Appeals Trust) with Albert's wife, 61-year-old teacher Elisabeth Stones, participating in a sponsored 10-day trek along The Great Wall of China in aid of the cause.
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