EVERYTHING was shipshape and Bolton fashion when the sailors from HMS Beaver paraded in the town hall square on Saturday.

The crew from Bolton's adopted ship lined up in front of the town hall to be inspected by Deputy Mayor Cllr Alan Rushton.

After the official welcome on the town hall steps, Captain David Lewis RN told the gathered crowds: "It is is particularly satisfying when we go on long trips to take away happy memories of visits such as these."

A team of cyclists then pedalled into the town hall square to hand over a cheque for £1,300 raised during their 300 mile plus charity ride from Plymouth.

Bolton's burly firemen did the town proud during a Tug-O-War contest and took just a few pulls to haul the visiting sailors past the post.

It was left to the female crew members of HMS Beaver to rescue the day by beating the ladies from the Wellington pub on Bury New Road.

After the fun there was a civic reception in the town hall followed by a number of events including a visit to Old Trafford and a golf tournament.

HMS Beaver docked in Liverpool on Friday to start a weekend of events both on board ship and in and around Bolton including parties and visits for the pupils of Cherry Tree School and Green Fold Special School in Farnworth.

Another advance party jumped ship to carry out a 72 hour Challenge Beaver project. They begged and borrowed materials and cash from generous local businesses to transform a disused pavilion in Barlow Park, Astley Bridge into a community centre.

The sailors handed over the keys to the delighted residents on Saturday afternoon.

The weekend visit ended with a number of sporting events and the ship was setting sail this morning.

Bolton's association with the Royal Navy dates back to 1941 when the town raised £1 million to support HMS Dido which is now out of service. But seaman Billy's more able on board! CYCLING sailor Billy Wilkinson left any navigational skills on board ship when he left HMS Beaver last Monday for a charity bike road.

The sailor got lost and ended up in Wolverhampton instead of Birmingham on day three of the five day ride.

By the time he found other members of the the eight strong team, the exhausted rider had cycled over 120 miles in one day, an extra 30 miles.

Joining the sailors on the ride were Bolton College staff Ian Littlewood and Dave Kiddell, Royal Mail workers Gary Mather and Martin Berry and Bolton firemen Paul Wolstenholme and Ian Calderbank.

They raised £1,300 for CHAT Bolton, Multiple Sclerosis, Green Fold Special School and Bolton Hospice.

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