SELFIES — photographic self-portraits usually snapped on a mobile phone — lit up the town as part of a digital project to show what Bolton represents.

Bolton at Home had asked Boltonians to take “Bolfies” — Bolton selfies — ahead of the light show on Monday night.

About 600 images of the town and its people, from the 19th century to the modern day, were displayed on the arches in Cheadle Square.

Gaynor Cox, arts officer for Bolton at Home, said: “The group are having a whale of a time, seeing their pictures up on display.

“It's great to see all their hard work come to fruition.

“This whole show is a fantastic celebration of Bolton and what the town represents.”

The show was part of the Big Digital Project, an initiative aimed at communities in low areas of engagement with the arts.

Eddie Birtles, aged 21, of Great Lever, took a Bolfie of himself outside Bolton Town Hall.

He said: “Bolton is my hometown — I was brought up here and my mates are here.

“It just has that pull on you. I feel comfortable here in a way that I might not somewhere else.

“The project is awesome. It’s great being part of the group, everyone is like a big group of brothers.”

The final showpiece was put together by artists Andy McKeown, Peter Walker and David Harper from externalGalleries.

Mr McKeown and his team have been across Greater Manchester and are set to visit Rochdale, Oldham and Salford.

They have also done light shows in areas such as Nottingham, Birmingham and York.

Mr McKeown said: “This is a fantastic setting — it’s one of the nicest places we’ve ever projected onto.

“The photos are beautifully posed. They are very, very classy photos — an amazing collection.

“This light show makes you appreciate the good things about Bolton, and I have to say it’s a fabulous place.”

The team will finish its tour of Greater Manchester with a grand showpiece in Lloyd Street, opposite Manchester Town Hall, on March 29, which will combine images from the region’s 10 boroughs.