THROUGH your paper, I would like to thank all the thousands of local people, and many from further afield, who came to Bolton over the four days of the Food and Drink Festival and made the event such a success.

It looks as though we will have broken the previous record for attendance.

Thanks must also go to the sponsors, the chefs and exhibitors. The quality was excellent.

Also, The Bolton News is to be thanked for your excellent coverage.

Going round the festival, I heard many very complimentary comments, and met many first-time visitors who intend to come back next year and bring their friends.

On behalf of everybody, I would like to congratulate the team who organised the Festival for doing such an excellent job.

Cllr Roger Hayes

Mayor of Bolton