THIS weekend The Bolton News is celebrating its 150th anniversary - and we are inviting readers to join us.

The first edition of what was then the Bolton Evening News appeared on the streets of the town on March 19, 1867. To help us celebrate, bakers Greenhalgh’s have made us a fabulous birthday cake.

Readers will be able to enjoy a slice tomorrow when we will open the offices in Victoria Square to the public, between noon and 1.30pm.

They will also have the chance to pick up a copy of our special anniversary souvenir edition of The Bolton News, which looks back at our 150 years.

It will be on sale tomorrow at more than 250 news outlets across the borough.

Sandra Ogden, retail sales and marketing director of Greenhalgh’s said: “We are honoured to produce a cake for their special milestone. It is our own 60th anniversary this year, so there was no hesitation in offering our support.”

Our anniversary publication is packed with features about the history of the newspaper and of Bolton. Former staff of the Bolton Evening News share their stories of working in the news and sports reporting in the town.

There are stories about key figures in the history of the newspaper, and the role the newspaper has played in the story of Bolton over the past 150 years.

We think it’s worth every penny of the £1 cover price.

Regular reader of The Bolton News, Stephen Peters, aged 66, who lives in Bolton, said it will make a nice keepsake.

He said: “I really like things like this, looking back.

“To see how they did the paper 150 years ago is amazing and today it still covers news and what’s is going on in the town like it did then.

“I think the supplement will be a talking point for many people and bring back memories.”

The supplement will be on sale for the next four weeks.

Readers will also be able to pick up a copy next Thursday and Friday when our sales and distribution staff will be in the Market Place from 10am to 3pm.

A free goody bag will be given to all shoppers who buy a copy of the 150th anniversary supplement.