FILM star Ron Moody will be clowning around when he pays a special visit to Bolton.

The actor, famous for his portrayal of Fagin in the film musical Oliver, is life president of Clowns International.

He will visit Bolton during a unique international clown convention in the town next month.

Bolton is hosting the convention from September 10 to 16. More than 200 clowns from all over the world are expected to attend and it will be the biggest gathering of clowns in Britain for many years.

Ron Moody will be in Bolton to mark the start of the grand parade, which will go through Victoria Square led by the famous car Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

It is hoped the parade will attract people from all over the North-west with prizes on offer for a children's colouring competition, fancy dress and best dressed shop window.

A charity auction will be held after the parade and a fun-packed evening of entertainment will follow at the Victoria Halls with an International Clowns Gala Show.

Even an elephant will be joining in the fun and performing in the pedestrian precinct in Victoria Square on the Friday and Saturday of the festival.

Clowns from as far away as Australia, America, New Zealand and even Japan -- whose clowns have never ventured as far as Europe before -- will be in Bolton during the week-long convention.

The Bolton Town Centre company has worked hard for the past two years in organising the bi-annual event, which has previously been held in Southport and Bognor.

Kooky the Clown from Clown International said: "It will be exciting for the people of Bolton because Ron is such a Mr Nice Guy and is completely unpredictable.

"We never know what he is going to do next and he has been game for a laugh when he has attended our other conventions. He is a real clown in his own right."

Anyone wanting to find out more about the convention is urged to call Cathy Savage at the Town Centre company on 523762.