A GARDEN in memory of Frank Lowe, the man who wrote a weekly nature notes column in the Bolton Evening News for almost 60 years was officially opened in February 1988.

Mayor councillor Bill Robinson said at the time: "Frank Lowe will be remembered by thousands of people for the pleasure he gave them over the years. Now in his memory we can add to that pleasure."

Shortly after Frank's death in 1985 the Bolton Evening News launched a fund and many readers and organisers made donations in memory of the man who was featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the author of the country's most durable newspaper feature.

The £600 raised was put towards a scheme planned by the parks' department as part of the upgrading of the Spa Road area of Queen's Park.

The garden was planted with bushes, trees and shrubs and included a rock garden, water garden and timber paving.

Councillors, the mayor and mayoress as well as Bolton Evening News' associate editor Leslie Gent were pictured in the garden at the park.