TWO lantern parades by little ones across Bolton have helped light up the town ahead of the festive season.

Families from the Farnworth Parents Group and local residents came together to enjoy a lantern making workshop at the New Bury Community Centre.

After the session, each of the children paraded with the lanterns to the centre’s new community garden, which gives green-fingered residents the chance to grow their own produce.

Volunteers have transformed a patch of derelict land with raised beds to grow a range of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Bernadette Tither, manager of the centre, said yesterday that the lanterns were still alight several days after the workshop was held.

She added: “It was a really good day and a great way to officially launch our community garden.

“The children hung all their lanterns in the new garden and also put baubles on the fruit plants. It looks really nice.

“We will leave them there until the weather ravages them.”

Freelance artists and representatives of Bolton At Home came to Johnson Fold Primary School to teach the children how to make lanterns.

Dozens of youngsters and families from St James the Great Church then paraded with their creations along Monserrat Road, backed by singers and musicians performing Christmas carols and hymns. Headteacher Ruth Dean said: “It was a really good event.”