FORMER Bolton boy Johnny Ball did a spot of reminiscing about his old days this week when his new stage show came to town.

Johnny, who left Bolton when he was 18 but still has relatives in Westhoughton, couldn't make it to the Albert Halls in person, but spared some time to chat about his Bolton County Grammar School days and his memories of the town.

The zany TV scientist, famous for his kids' television programmes including seventies smash hit Think of a Number, wrote the show "Energy Champions", to encourage primary school children to think about how they can save energy.

The theme of the show is "Save it, Don't Waste it", and it traces the earth-source story of energy from earliest man to pioneer experiments.

It highlights the environmental threats of today's energy guzzling world - with a few songs thrown in for good measure.

The show is currently touring the Norweb area and 14 schools went along to the Albert Hall on Wednesday to watch.

Johnny told the BEN: "It is a shame I couldn't get back to Bolton, but I'm busy rehearsing for a new show."

Johnny, who lived in various areas of Bolton including Daubhill, Mornington Road and Great Lever, said he didn't do very well at school - despite his outstanding knowledge now.

He said: "When I was at Bolton County School on Great Moor Street, I only got two O-levels and then went to work at De Havillands in Lostock before I left Bolton when I was 18."

He launched his show biz career with a few performances with St Bede's Amateur Dramatic Society.

"I've got them to thank because that is how I started off," he laughed. "I like coming back to Bolton from time to time and I've been round and had a look at where I used to live before.

"It is nice to take a trip down memory lane and I do have some lovely memories of the town and hope to come back soon."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.