THE grassland fires which has been raging on Winter Hill forced a sudden about-turn for the proms night of a Bolton school.

Sharples School, had been due to hold its prom evening on Tuesday evening (this week) for 90, Year11 pupils, at the Rivington Barn, before a decision was taken late on Monday afternoon because of the advice being given by both firefighters and police.

With the cancellation of this year’s Sharples prom very much on the cards, management at Bolton’s Holiday Inn stepped at the very last minute in to save the event.

Sharples School staff member Cath Ingram, the director of business and finance said: “It was fantastic that the Holiday Inn was able to step in an provide a room for us to hold the prom.

“We left cancelling the Rivington Barn as late as we could, but after checking out the situation we found that the smoke was quite thick smoke and there was a strong smell of it all around the venue, which could have caused breathing problems.

“We only made the decision on Monday afternoon but it was for the safety of our students and after fire and police had advised people to stay away from the area.”

Prom organiser at the school, Farzana Khan added: “We quite literally had to cancel shortly after 3pm on Monday, but then we had to make a call as to whether we delayed the event or cancelled it but with cars booked, hair, nail and hire of vehicle appointments made, we decided a last ditch effort to contact Holiday Inn and they were absolutely amazing.

“At short notice, they catered a full buffet from meat eater, halal and vegetarians, and decorated a room with balloons and the school colours. The students were overjoyed and everything Holiday Inn did was more than adequate and they came to the rescue and did us proud.”