THEY were memorable nights that brought Elton John and Pink Floyd to Bolton and now the town's student arts balls are set to make a comeback.

Artists Mary Rudkin and Christine Southworth plan to bring back the fun of memorable arts nights of the 1960s and 1970s.

The two were students at Bolton Art College, in Hilden Street, in the 1960s and later built lengthy careers around their talents.

Christine used to teach art at Bolton School, while Mary is a former Bolton Community College lecturer. Both are now respected full-time artists, who warmly remember college life and the famous arts balls.

Mary, from Horwich, said: "I was president of the Student Union and involved in booking some of the groups that became famous.

"I remember helping Pink Floyd decide on the order of their songs when they performed here. And Long John Baldry -- a well-known blues singer of the time -- was accompanied by a little known pianist called Elton John!"

Now, Mary and Christine have helped recreate those enjoyable times with the Arts Ball Revisited at Rivington Higher Barn on Friday, October 17.

And top of the bill then will be another group which was popular on the college circuit, The Animals. They are without lead singer Eric Burdon, but include a couple of the original band members, plus musicians from other supergroups of the time, the Kinks and the Mindbenders.

Supporting will be locally-formed Atlanta Roots -- former Art College students themselves.

The event is being organised by the Lofthouse Kendal Memorial Trust, an educational trust for former students, and profits will go towards this.

Tickets cost £18, including supper and a late bar, and can be bought by calling 01204 492530.

For more details, about the event, ring 01204-693676.

"It promises to be a very nostalgic night, so former students are certainly welcome," added Mary.

"But it will also be a great night for anyone who enjoys dancing and the groups of the Sixties."