ACTOR and director Samuel West was in Bolton to put the town’s thriving arts and culture scene centre stage.

Samuel, a star of stage and screen, opened a meeting of the full council by presenting the former council leader Cllr Cliff Morris with an award for championing the arts.

Cllr Morris received the Hearts For the Arts Award for winning the Best Local Arts Authority Campion — Councillor” for his support of arts and culture, particularly for the Octagon Theatre, Albert Halls and Bolton Museum.

The Bolton News:

Four Hearts For The Arts Awards are given out each year by the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA).

Samuel, the chairman of the NCA, said: “Bolton has a rich and shining history of cultural brilliance.

“We are delighted to see the arts at the heart of policy and planning in the area. Continued investment in the Octagon, the Albert Halls and the Bolton Museum can only be a good thing for local people.”

The awards, delivered by UK Theatre were created to celebrate the work of local authorities who in the face of financial pressures to ensure the arts stay at the centre of community life.

The judging panel commented: “Cllr Cliff Morris knows that art and culture have a place in every part of civic life. He’s using his influence to improve the offer for everyone who lives in Bolton, and to make sure that arts and culture are contributing to the borough’s growth.”

Cllr Morris said he was “delighted” to have been honoured with the award.

He said: The arts are an important part of Bolton — they bring a lot of benefit to our borough, and are at the heart of our communities.

“The Albert Halls restoration, investment in our hugely popular Bolton Museum and our commitment to transform the Octagon Theatre has set the foundations for many generations to come.

“I’m proud to have played an important part in these projects.”

But Cllr Morris dedicated the accolade to all those who promote and work in the arts in Bolton.

“This award represents a lot of dedication by many people and I’m delighted to accept it in recognition of the team effort and the passion for the arts and culture that we advocate in Bolton.”