CELEBRATIONS for the 750th anniversary of Bolton's Charter officially started on Tuesday.

Blackpool's town crier, Barry McQueen began the lavish celebrations to mark the signing of Bolton's 1253 charter.

He introduced John Jewitt, landlord of the Man and Scythe, and the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Walsh who made a formal proclamation of the historic document in Churchgate this morning.

Pupils from Bolton's Canon Slade High School read through the points of the charter which was issued to the town by William de Ferrers,

Earl of Derby, on this day 750 years ago. Dozens of shoppers, office workers and passers-by gathered in the rain to watch and listen to the ceremony, which was aimed at reminding people of Bolton's historic past.

Before the ceremony Cllr Walsh explained why he thought it was so important the Charter should be celebrated.

He said: "The Charter put Bolton on the map and it is terribly important to celebrate. The charter made Bolton a free borough putting the town at the centre of commerce and trade.

"As a result, 100 years later, Flemish Weavers came across to bring their skills because of our reputation as a textile centre."

To add a sense of historic occasion to the event the Mayor dressed in his formal robes. The robes have been worn by every Mayor of Bolton since they were made about 50 years ago and they have been designed in the style of attire worn by the first Mayor of Bolton prior to 1838.

Landlord Mr Jewitt along with members of his staff also helped to keep up the olde worlde flavour by attending the ceremony dressed in mediaeval style costumes.

The ceremony took place against a backdrop of the mediaeval style archway that has been built for the Charter celebrations, near to the Market Cross.

The archway will stand in Churchgate until Saturday, January 25, and crosses the whole street.

The ceremony was proceeded by a peal of bells from Bolton Parish Church.

Other Charter events include the Mayor's Charity Ball this Friday at the Reebok Stadium, and a medieval market on Friday and Saturday.

Council leader Bob Howarth said: "Three-quarters of a millennium is a great milestone."