TODAY (January 14) sees the 750th anniversary of the Bolton charter which laid the foundations for our relatively prosperous modern town.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Walsh, was on hand in Churchgate with a formal proclamation of the historic document.

This welcome piece of ceremonial brightened a damp and cold January day and helped to show that towns -- no matter how progressive they think themselves to be -- should never lose touch with their heritage.

Cllr Walsh is the prime architect of this act of commemoration and we should all be grateful for the genuine pride he shows in Bolton.

His energy has made sure that we recognise the importance of the day in 1253 when the Earl of Derby signed the charter which gave the town the right to hold a market and an annual fair.

There has been an awful lot of water -- and blood -- under the bridge since then but Bolton has shown a remarkable capacity for enterprise and survival.

The spirit of the people is something which deserves recognition in a fine northern town.

Today's events -- highlighted by the medieval-style archway which has appeared not far from our offices in Churchgate -- are the start of a number of celebrations which end on Sunday.

A market in Churchgate on Saturday and Sunday will set out to re-create the spirit of 1253 and add touches from succeeding centuries, such as "Peelers" and a horse-drawn carriage.

The hard work should be recognised and it is to be hoped that the good citizens of Bolton respond appropriately.