PLANS to stage Bolton's biggest ever arts exhibition have been boosted by a surprise cash injection of £4,000.

The event, organised by members of the Bolton Art Circle as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, has been awarded the grant by the Foundation for Sports and Arts.

The money has been given to help with the overall cost of staging the event which takes place at the Albert Halls at Bolton Town Hall from July 13 to 21, and puts the Circle on a safer financial footing. Chairman, Mr Roland Arthur, explained: "This is a wonderful surprise to us. We first applied back in September for it and other grants, and had given up hope.

"This now means that we will be able to breathe a little easier."

More than 800 pictures are expected to grace the exhibition and there will be a total of prizes worth more than a £4,500.

The event will encompass artists of all ages from throughout the country - and even the world.

Mr Arthur said: "It is amazing. We have even had a woman from the Orkney Islands who will be bringing a painting and sculpture." In addition a letter has come in from Bolton's German twin town of Paderborn saying their residents would like to send in pieces of work, as well as pupils from Bolton School's twin school in the town.

Work is due to come in from 17 to 80-year-olds, as well as youngsters aged seven to 11 years, who have been invited to take part as individuals, or as part of a winning submission from their schools.

Each school in the town has been invited to make their own representation, and prizes will be awarded to the best two.

Local art societies are also invited to take part. To complement the event, there will be a section of trade stands invited to display their goods for a charge of £10 a day.

Mr Arthur said: "This is the biggest exhibition Bolton has ever undertaken. It is beginning to get quite exciting. We just now hope that we get the response we are looking for.

"We are particularly keen to attract amateur artists who perhaps have never before thought of entering their work for an exhibition."

Top prizes of £1,000 apiece will be awarded to the pictures voted the best by the judges and by the visiting public.

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