CHRISTMAS shopping starts right now in Bolton with some really imaginative ideas to try to boost festive trade in the town.

In addition to a dynamic £25,000 campaign involving peak time television advertising - with 'Bolton is the Best!' being shown in the Coronation Street breaks - there will also be sleigh rides with real reindeer, extended shop opening hours and cut-price car parking. Who says Bolton isn't fighting back in great Santa style against surrounding towns and Manchester city centre?

Let's hope that by the time the big switch-on of Bolton's Christmas lights takes place on November 21, in Victoria Square, the festive parade through town centre will have all the style of a victory march where shopping success is concerned.

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