OUR new campaign, We’re Backing Bolton, is encouraging people to take a fresh look at their town. But many people have already discovered the best things on offer. Reporter Gaynor Clarke hit Bolton town centre to find out what people love about their town.

Michelle Bromley, aged 37, of Gilnow Gardens, Bolton, said: “I love Bolton. I have lived everywhere, but Bolton is my favourite place.

“It has everything you could need, so there’s no reason to go to Manchester or anywhere else.”

Her sister, Catterina Yates, aged 42, who was visiting from her home in London, said: “Bolton is my cup of tea. The shopping and the food are great and everyone here is so down-to-earth.”

Jack Evans, aged 78, travels from his home in Sheringham Drive, Bury, with his wife Alma to go shopping in Bolton.

He said: “We come to Bolton every week to have a look around.

“We love shopping here and spending our money. We much prefer it to Bury.”

Andrew Pendlebury, aged 36, of Dewhurst Road, Harwood, added: “I love living on the hills on the outskirts of Bolton.

“It’s really nice and picturesque.

“The reservoirs are great and there are some really good places to walk.”

Joyce Schofield, aged 74, of Sumner Street, Atherton, said: “Bolton has plenty of nice buildings and the shopping is excellent.

“The bus station is very handy.

Everything is quite compact and it’s not too far to walk.”

Nicola Lomax, aged 42, of Belmont, was visiting the town centre with her children, Millie, aged seven, and three-year-old Sam.

She said: “The children love looking around the museum and library and I come here to meet friends.

“It’s very convenient. I’m born and bred in Bolton so I think it’s important to stay loyal to the town.”

Tara McGregor, aged 23, of Primrose Street, Kearsley, said: “I love the shops and the nightlife.

“It’s a great town and all the people here are really nice.”

Dipak Patel, aged 42, of Sutton Road, Deane, added: “I love the diverse community in Bolton.

“People live together here in harmony.

“There are lots of opportunities available for children and the schools are good.

“I love everything about Bolton.”