BOLTON'S traditional town centre Christmas fair has opened after narrowly escaping the axe.

Youngsters tested their nerve on a variety of rides in Cheadle Square including the Twister, Freak Out and Side Kick.

The 10-day fair had faced being cancelled after council bosses said they only wanted it to run until January 4, but an agreement has been reached that will see the fair run until January 8.

It will be open every day except Sunday from noon to 8pm.

Members of the Showman's Guild and Silcock's Fair have been coming to Bolton during the festive period for more than 50 years.

Nicholas Hill, vice-chairman of the Showman's Guild, said: "We pay a lot of money for this land and we wanted to be able to run a good fair."