JACK Duckworth pulled the pints in Bolton's Howcroft Inn last night as his bid to take over at the Rover's Return hung in the balance.

Jack, alias Bill Tarmey, officially opened the 1995 Bolton Beer Festival at the pub in Pool Street to start a five day celebration of beer.

Howcroft landlord Clive Nightingale was delighted with last night's turn-out. He said: "It was a brilliant evening. And we couldn't have timed it better with Jack's current story-line on Coronation Street. He didn't tell me whether he gets the pub though!

"He was excellent - and he gave his services for free to give a big boost to Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club which the festival is supporting."

Mr Nightingale also thanked about 80 firms and organisations who have sponsored the festiva and neighbours near the pub for co-operating with the extra activity.

And the two men behind Bolton's first independent brewery for 25 years have backed the festival. John Feeney and Barney Fallon have set up the Bank Top Brewery in the town.

More than 120 beers are being served up at the festival every day until Sunday.

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