I DUSTED off my old notepad last weekend and went back out on the road as a roving reporter.

These days I'm mainly desk-bound but when a reporter was unexpectedly unable to do their usual Saturday shift I bravely stepped in to cover.

I wasn't particularly looking forward to giving up my Saturday — especially as I was feeling quite "tired" after a late on on the Friday night — but I really enjoyed it.

It reminded me of those TV shows — like Back to the Floor and Undercover Boss — where a manager gets to experience what it is like for their staff on a daily basis.

No two days are ever the same for a reporter and they are always rushed off their feet — never quite able to spend as much time as they would like on every story and on every interview.

But I met some fascinating people in my day .

First there was campaigner Eric Hyland, from Harwood, who has launched a petition against the University of Bolton's £40 million plans for a student block next to Le Mans Crescent.

I introduced myself to him and he said, 'Are you the chap who thinks the council should bulldoze Newport Street?' — a reference to my column last week.

'Yes, I am!' I replied, expecting him to congratulate me heartily on my brave and forthright plan.

'Terrible idea!' he said.

With my ego deflated, I set about asking him why he was against the university's plans. He told me he felt there were better places in the town centre and that the planned building, which he said looked like an ugly apartment block, would block the view of the beautiful architecture of Le Mans Crescent.

Next up, I was at Victoria Hall, where youngsters were rehearsing for a concert that night. Amazingly, they were only just learning the same songs they would be singing in the evening to a packed audience.

It is astounding how much young minds can take in. Imagine a group of untrained adults being told they had to do the same thing. I for one would be overcome with fear and anxiety — but not these brave young souls.

The annual Sing Day was organised by Bolton Schools' Music Association — a voluntary group of music teachers in Bolton. They do a great job. They get no funding from Bolton Council and exist solely to enrich children's learning of music in the town.

Finally, I drove down to the Macron Stadium to meet up with the Bolton Wanderers chaplain Phil Mason about Whites' new third shirt for next season, which will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Burnden Park Disaster — a poignant gesture by the club.

It was a hectic day. I have returned to my desk job reminded of how hard you have to work as a reporter. Keep up the good work team.