10 YEARS AGO From the Evening News September 14, 2000 HEALTH services in Bolton were beginning to feel the strain today.

Bosses at Wigan and Bolton Health Authority described the situation as “dire” as the National Health Service was last night put on red alert.

Royal Bolton Hospital staff called off at least three orthopaedic operations scheduled for today because suppliers cannot get essential equipment to the Farnworth site.

A handful of minor operations scheduled for today have also been cancelled and people due to have surgery tomorrow have been warned their operations are likely to be cancelled.

Like the emergency services, health workers have been classed as essential priorities for the little fuel there is available.

But yesterday rows broke out at one petrol station earmarked for their use as other angry motorists thought they should be allowed fuel too.

25 YEARS AGO From the Evening News September 14, 1985 THE Famous Five are going it alone to get late night shopping under way in Bolton town centre.

Starting Oct 3, big names Marks and Spencer, British Home Stores, C and A modes, Woolworth and Whitakers will stay open to 9 p.m. every Thursday.

Store bosses predict it will be just a matter of time before almost every other town centre retailer follows suit and the heart of Bolton becomes as bustling and vibrant a place as it is on Saturday afternoons.

50 YEARS AGO From the Evening News September 14, 1960 THE threat of a fourth candidate in the Bolton East Parliamentary by-election has come as a shock to the established local parties.

The “intruder” is 38-year-old Mr John E Dayton, founder of the New Conservative Party.

A civil engineer, living in Dorking, Mr. Dayton came to Bolton yesterday to reconnoitre the territory. And he arranged a meeting at the Victoria Hotel for the evening of Friday, Sept. 23, when he intends to meet anyone interested in a party neither of the extreme Right nor Left.

Mr. Dayton is serious in his intention to fight Bolton East. He has, indeed, already fought one by-election this year as an Independent — at Harrow West on March 17, after the death of Sir Albert Braithwaite (Cons.).

100 YEARS AGO From the Evening News September 14, 1910 The County Police furnish particulars of the courageous conduct of Annie Hendry, 95, Leech-st., Farnworth, aged 13 years, who by her bravery and presence of mind saved the lives of two children named Lois and Olive Hardman, aged 8 and 6 years, of 13, Dale-st., Kearsley.

Hendry was taking a walk with some friends after attending Sunday School in the direction of the Little Lever locks when screams were heard coming from near the old boats lying in the canal basin. She ran there and was told by a number of children that two girls were in the water.