Sir Ian McKellen has spoken of his joy at returning home for the town's first Pride festival, saying "Bolton's really growing up".

The Lord of the Rings star spoke about his experiences growing up in the town at the Bolton Pride awards dinner on Friday night - but admitted that it is still a "wicked world". 

He said: "When I was growing up I didn't know anyone who was gay in Bolton. It was against the law. 

"Last year there were 150 people thrown out on the streets in Manchester for being gay. I'm not sure about Bolton. It's still a wicked world. But a rainbow flag is flying and the town hall is going to be lit up with rainbow colours. Bolton is really growing up."

The 76-year-old actor, who arrived in the town yesterday, has spent today handing out medals to school pupils at a Football versus Homophobia match and then visited Bolton School, which he attended. 

Organiser James Edgington said: "We don't want to just have an LGBT weekend in Bolton. It needs to be 365 days of the year that the community can feel safe in Bolton."

The awards dinner, taking place at the Whites Hotel's Platinum Suite, recognises local groups and people for their support towards the LGBT community.