JERRY Glover believes there is already a great deal right with Bolton that is recognised by both local people and those outside it.

Much of what is good, he believes, is embodied in our young people.

"The town is on the up and a lot of that is down to the current rich crop of individuals. They give Bolton a positive national image," he said.

As chief executive of the Bolton Lads and Girls Club, which each week has about 2,900 youngsters coming through the welcoming doors of its Spa Road premises, Mr Glover is in a position to assess the quality of todays "crop".

He has been in youth work for 27 years and received the MBE for services to young people. He has a no-nonsense approach to what works for the bored and disaffected young. It is: "Give them something to do - anything."

This broad spectrum of activity particularly encompasses sport, and it is largely in that area he believes the towns wealth of talent can now be viewed. Some have been Lads and Girls Club members - boxing sensation Amir Khan, Bolton Wanderers Nicky Hunt, Wigan goalkeeper Micky Pollitt and Bury FCs Simon Whalley.

Add them to a growing group which includes comedian Peter Kay, singer Danny Jones from top pop group McFly, and presenter Vernon Kay and it is clear there are many whose work already brings not only glory but a definite image boost to the town.

Mr Glover said: "At our club alone, we also have a number of fantastic volunteers all in their early 20s. They are very energetic and committed, and it is wonderful to see such young people so involved.

"Some of them are in the very difficult area of outreach work, going on to the streets and into the parks to talk to the groups of young people who congregate there.

"They get a very good response, too. Nine-and-a-half times out of 10, we can get individuals to do something, get them in to try a sport or other activity."

For the first time, the club has teams competing in Boltons badminton and table tennis leagues and a promising basketball team competing in the adult league coached by Mo Osman.

The club has 55 men and women involved in coaching the 23 football teams which include three girls teams, a disabled team and a team of deaf youngsters.

Nor is it all about open, high-profile competition - the club runs a successful Saturday soccer skills session when youngsters at any level can get coaching and match play in friendlies.

"They are all achieving something, and they are all taking something good out of it", said Mr Glover.

"It helps them now and in their future - it gives them an edge."

Elsewhere, young achievement that helps mould Boltons image can be found at Smithills School.

The senior brass band has had a successful year in which its players, under the baton of inspirational teacher Chris Wormald, clinched the National Youth Brass Band Championships, the National Festival of music for Youth and the World Championships, beating adult bands to claim the title. Their tour of the USA, appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, an ITV1 broadcast, two new CDs and a DVD help get the message across that Bolton is a musical centre of excellence.

On this evidence, who could doubt that it is youth that holds the key to the future?

Mr Glover said: "It is really not about finding a brand for Bolton, it is about appreciating what we have already got. The answer is the people, now and in the future."