BOSSES at Bolton Museum gave Nat Lofthouse’s companion in his later years a special viewing of the memorabilia bought at auction last year.

Mildred Clayton, aged 90, first met the Wanderers legend in 1988 and cared for him during his battle with Alzheimer’s.

Bolton Council invited Mrs Clayton to view the display of lots it purchased with three other organisations in Chester in November.

Bolton Wanderers, who with NCP and Bolton at Home formed the consortium behind the £75,000 spending spree, also made a special presentation to Mrs Clayton.

Cllr John Walsh, for Astley Bridge, also gave her a plaque depicting Nat holding the FA Cup aloft after Wanderers’ 1958 triumph against Manche-ster United.

The plaques were made to reward donors who pledged £1,000 or more towards the statue of Nat unveiled at the Reebok Stadium last year.

Mrs Clayton said: “I think it is absolutely beautiful and I am really pleased.

“I think Nat would have been pleased with it here, in the middle of Bolton where everyone can come and see it.

Mrs Clayton met Nat at Burnden Park at a function in 1988 and said the pair just “clicked”.

“More people will benefit from the exhibition here than at the Reebok,” said Mrs Clayton, who lives in Farnworth.

“He loved Bolton and the Bolton people and it was always astounding, even when we popped into town on a Tuesday to visit the market, the amount of people who stopped and talked to him.

“I’ll never forget how pleased he was one day when these teenage boys stopped him and asked for a picture.

“He was delighted because they knew about him despite being so young.”

Cllr Walsh, who was a member of the statue’s fundraising committee, said: “The club felt the best chance to make this gesture was to tie in with this invitation from the council.

“That these items have been retained here, and not been broken up, is fabulous as it makes it possible for people such as Mildred to have the chance to see them.”

The items of memorabilia on display at Bolton Museum include Nat’s cup final shirt, a Lion of Vienna trophy and his FA Cup winner’s medal.