Bolton Council was hit by a different kind of Millennium bug today as efforts moved into top gear to shape the town's celebrations.

A 'team of "Year 2000 Officers" has been set up linking the council with private, public, community and charity organisations.

One member from each of the 14 council departments will form the group, which will send letters to companies over the next few days urging them to formulate plans and ideas for the borough's Millennium celebrations.

The scheme, which will include a poster campaign, is being billed as 'your chance to make a difference' and has received the full support of Cllr Cliff Morris, Chairman of the Civic Affairs Sub-Committee.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for every section of the borough to come together and work in partnership and celebrate," he said.

"It is a chance to promote the borough and boost the economy, enhance civic pride and give people that much needed feeling of well-being."

The Millennium Commission, based in London, is due to announce how organisations can apply for grants towards the celebrations.

Bolton Council's Millennium Co-ordinator, Norma Rutherford, said: "I have already been in touch with many organisations and the response to date has been positive.

"We want to reach as many people as possible and to establish an information network throughout the borough so that people are kept up to date.

"We are hoping that the first public meetings, designed to take place in every borough, will happen later this month."

If you want to get involved in the Millennium celebrations and would like further information, contact either Norma Rutherford, Sally Hayes or Lynne Reilly on Bolton 522311.

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