BOLTON'S Mayor Cllr Alan Wilkinson was busy "working" even when he took a 13-day luxury Mediterranean cruise!

As our picture shows, he managed to recruit a footballing legend to his excellent Gift of Life organ donor campaign.

His choice of ex-England goalie Gordon Banks -- a guest on the football-themed cruise -- had, however, an ironic twist.

As Gordon himself pointed out to the hard-working Mayor:"It's a great campaign, and I'm happy to help -- but I've only got one eye and one kidney to give. And my heart and lungs aren't up to much, either, but you're welcome!"

"Gordon was great, and filled in a form," said Cllr Wilkinson, who is already halfway in his pledge to get 2002 new donors by the end of his mayoralty next year.

"I'd packed some forms in my suitcase with the intention of signing up a few people," he added. "And I was delighted to get Gordon."

The famous footballer also autographed some special football stamp first covers the Mayor bought in Gibraltar, to join a host of autographs he is collecting during his term. He plans to sell them all off for charity next year.

On Sunday, a buffet lunch to boost the Gift of Life campaign will be hosted by the Mayoress, Mrs Denise Wilkinson, at Dunscar Conservative Club. Tickets are just £5 each, £3 for children under £12, and there's also a raffle and a tombola. There are just a few tickets left, available from the ticket and information office at Bolton Town Hall, tel 01204-334400.