THE Mayor of Bolton will be hosting visitors to Bolton from his hometown at an event this weekend.

Cllr Martin Donaghy, originally from the village of Bessbrook in County Newry, will welcome councillors from Newry and Mourne, for a civic reception in memory of World War Two sailor Raymond Kelly, from Newry, who was awarded a George Cross for his bravery in service.

The Bolton News reported last month that Cllr Donaghy met with Mayor of Newry and Mourne, Cllr Daire Hughes, to unveil a memorial stone as a tribute to all who were buried in a paupers’ graveyard in County Newry.

The grave holds the bodies of people who died while in the Newry Union Workhouse — including his own grandmother Annie Kelly.

Cllr Donaghy said: “It is a shame that the Mayor of Newry and Mourne can no longer attend, however we will make sure that the council representatives who do attend will be welcomed properly to the town.

“Raymond Kelly was awarded the George Cross for saving the lives of people who were drowning at sea in the Bay of Biscay, so we will be honouring his efforts at the reception, which is also being attended by his brother.”

Following on from this, Bolton Irish Community Association (BICA) will join in with celebrations on Sunday for an event which will see an afternoon of music, food and entertainment.

The event, which will be held at the group’s premises in Lever Street, welcomes any member to attend.

Damien Livingstone, chairman of BICA, said: “We are honoured to be hosting such a special occasion with the Mayor of Bolton.

“Any of our members are welcome to attend and enjoy some fantastic Irish entertainment and food.”