THERE is no doubt that Looking Back readers love our old photographs and the memories shared on these pages.

But now you have the opportunity to own a DVD dedicated to Bolton's past containing a whole host of fascinating images looking at life in the town.

This DVD recalls many of the important changes that have taken place in Bolton's past including the arrival of the railway, the opening of the electric tramways and the origins of some of the town's old traditions such as Wakes' Weeks and Whit Walks.

The tragedy of the Pretoria Pit and Burnden Park disasters both feature as do the sights of the town's Victorian slums and the experiences of local folk during World War One and World War Two.

The DVD uses a combination of old cine film footage and photographs to provide a snapshot of life in Bolton in days gone by and will bring memories flooding back for our readers.

Many of the events are brought to life with eye-witness accounts from the archives of the Bolton News and the Bolton Chronicle.

This is the report of the first train to run from Bolton: "On Thursday a party of gentlemen went from Bolton to Newton races at a speed of travelling which, to some of the party who had not before had an opportunity of experiencing this delightful mode of conveyance, was perfectly astonishing; passing over some part of the railroad at a rate upwards of 35 miles per hour."

When Bolton was hit by a Zeppelin airship during World War One the Evening Newes reported: "The bombs wrenched doors clean off their hinges and hurled them into rooms beyond.

"All windows were shattered and even the frames splintered. Shrapnel was gouged into the brick fronts of the houses and one resident was thrown clean across the room and knocked out."

The DVD, entitled "Bolton The Way We Were" is narrated by award-winning actor Howard Ellison and runs for approximately 50 minutes.

You also get a free DVD "The Way We Were in the 1950s" and this contains archive film and newsreel of a look back at 1950s Britain.

The DVD is priced at £15.50 (plus £1.50 postage and packing). You can order your copy on 0845 313 9463 or collect a copy from The Bolton News offices at The Wellsprings.