ORGANISERS of a popular Christmas party that had to be cancelled this year have been "overwhelmed" by the response from the community to try to make it go ahead.

As reported last week in The Bolton News, the annual children's Christmas party for children who live on the Flower Estate in Farnworth had to be cancelled this year after the usual venue, Harper Green Leisure Centre, was closed for refurbishment.

Since the announcement, a number of different groups have come forward offering to host the party.

These were The Orchards Federation, Farnworth Cricket Club, Our Lady of Lourdes Social Club, Wobbly Bobs and Jump Xtreme Trampoline Park.

Pat Duckworth, part of the Flower Estate Residents Association which runs the event, has been surprised by the response from the community.

She said: "It really is wonderful that everyone has come forward, I am overwhelmed by the community spirit to try to get this party back on."

Harper Green Leisure Centre has hosted the party, which attracted 84 children last year, but it is currently closed to the public.

Harper Green School has taken over the management of the leisure centre from Bolton Community Leisure Trust, which manages the council’s leisure facilities with partner Serco.

While they refurbish the facility it is closed to the public, meaning that the party cannot go ahead there.

However, despite the kind offers Mrs Duckworth said there is not enough time to get the party off the ground this year.

She said: "I start planning the next party a couple of months after the last one because it takes so much organising.

"It is just not feasible to start it at this late stage. "I am very grateful for all the support, but we have made the decision not to go ahead with it this year."

She explained that they have to send letters out to everyone on the estate to work out who will be coming before buying presents and organising catering.

Mrs Duckworth added: "I really am grateful for the fantastic support, it is great and I have called everyone back to thank them for their kind and generous offers but this year it is just not going to be possible.

"We are hopeful that it will be back up and running next year."