JULY 7 is the date the Bury Times celebrates its 150th birthday, a century and a half since founder John Heap first set his presses rolling in Union Square.

To celebrate, we will be producing a special souvenir edition of the Bury Times on that day, recalling 15 decades of covering the often dramatic news and events in this town, its history and its personalities. But we need our loyal readers to help us.

OLDEST BURY TIMES

We are looking for the oldest original copy of the Bury Times still in public ownership. You may have found one under an old carpet, or while clearing out the attic, or perhaps it has been carefully preserved and passed down through the generations. It may even be a first-edition (believed to be four pages).

OLDEST READER

Getting the Bury Times is a tradition for many Bury families who say they would never be without it. So could you lay claim to being the oldest Bury Times reader? Or maybe you reckon you have been reading it for longer than anyone else. Why not let us know.

STAND AND DELIVER

Where would we be without our intrepid newsboys and girls, who go out in all weathers to make sure 25,000 copies of the Bury Times are delivered every week? So in this special edition we want to recognise that loyalty. Do you know of a delivery girl or boy - or adult - who has put in lots of years' service? Tell us if you do.

15 MINUTES OF FAME

It sometimes seems that everyone in Bury has appeared in the BT at some time - and for many the experience can be life-changing. Did you make Page 1? What impact did it have on you and your friends? Tell us about your "15 minutes of fame" when our reporter or photographer came calling.

BURY BORN AND BRED

We want to feature some of the famous people born in the town, or who have contributed significantly to its proud history in some way. They could be industrialists, politicians, philanthropists, entertainers, sportsmen or women, or those who have served their town and country bravely on the battlefield. Who do you think should be included in our Roll Call?

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE

If it has happened in Bury in the last 150 years you will find it recorded on the pages of the Bury Times. But which big stories would you like to read about again?

THE WAY WE WERE

Everyone loves old photographs; the older the better. So have you got any pictures capturing life in Bury in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries? They could be local views or local events. We would love to see them.

If you can help, email editor Bill Allen on billallen@burytimes.co.uk or write to him at the Bury Times, PO Box 1, Market Street, Bury BL9 0PF, marking your envelope 150th Anniversary. Or you can ring news editor Steve Orrell on 0161 762 6446.