BOLTON'S musical Millennium Dome performance is due to go into orbit with a tale set among the stars.

Unlike some other towns, who have been invited to have a day at the Dome at Greenwich, Bolton has not concentrated on its history.

Instead, young musicians and singers from the town will perform a tribute to the area's unsung heroes on May 11.

The work, a collaboration between writer Terry Caffrey and composer Bill Connor, based on the ideas of the children, is the story of stars and how they get their 'twinkles'.

An older star explains to a younger one that humans become stars who twinkle when they have done lots of good deeds.

Meanwhile a young boy called George comes across a magical photo album showing his future as he lives to old age in Bolton.

A spirit reveals that George will become a hero by rescuing a baby in a pram from an icy lodge.

And eventually, after a lifetime of good deeds, George will earn his 'twinkles'.

"This piece is hopefully about the spirit which exists in the community," said Mr Caffrey.

"It's about the people, the togetherness and friendliness which makes Bolton unique.

"It's not a historical piece with dates or an attempt to regurgitate facts and landscapes of Bolton. That's already been done.

"This is a Bolton star. It's about the potential of everyone to become a star alongside those who already are. Bolton's sky twinkles like no other."

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