A FLASH mob burst into the Market Place Shopping Centre taking shoppers by surprise.

Dressed as ordinary members of the public, the flash mob, Bolton’s Got Soul, got toes tapping with their Northern Soul routine, led by two children who appeared on the scene dragging their “mother” in all directions before breaking out into a dance.

The stunt, which stopped shoppers in their tracks, was organised to promote Bolton.

It was professionally filmed by Elerby Studios in Breightmet.

The flash mob was put together through the social networking site Facebook and word of mouth.

Organiser Phil Jackson, from Bolton, said: “None of the people in the flash mob are professionals.

“It was just organised to put a smile on faces and promote Bolton.”

He came up with the idea after speaking to his friend former Boltonian Billy Isherwood, who saw a similar performance on the internet.

Mr Jackson, said: “We went for Northern Soul because Bolton is close to Wigan and many people of a certain age remember it and it is becoming big among the young people age.”

Bianca Rudman, aged 32, from Farnworth, said: “I never thought I would be part of a flash mob, I have seen them and always wanted to be a part of one.”

Sandy Holt, Thai Boxer, also took part.

He said: “It was great, I was the Northern Soul Champion of Wigan but most of the people who took part have not danced before.”

Kaci Bland, aged nine, from Bolton, played the lead child along with Jacob Kenyon, aged seven, also from Bolton.

Kaci said: “It was amazing to perform, we had only rehearsed twice and I think it went very well and everybody seemed to like it.”

Jacob added: “It was really exciting to dance in the flash mob and it is really exciting that it will be on the internet for everyone to see.”