TAXI cabs and fire engines from days gone by will bring a touch of nostalgia to Bolton's Charter celebrations later this month.

Two policemen or "peelers" will be also be walking around the streets of Bolton dressed in old fashioned uniforms to add to the atmosphere.

The historic display in Victoria Square, on January 18 and 19, will be just one of a series of events that will mark the anniversary of the granting of the charter by William de Ferrers, the Earl of Derby, to the town. This officially transformed Bolton into a borough.

Ray Tomkinson, owner of Ray Tomkinson Taxi Cabs, based in Breightmet Street, will be providing five or six valuable taxi cabs from different eras.

He said: "They have been used in a lot of films.

"Most recently the 1920s Austin was used in the Forsythe Saga."

The variety of different makes of vintage taxis on display will include Austins, a Beardmore, a Renault and possibly an American yellow taxi cab.

Over the years the cabs have had a variety of distinguished passengers, having been used in films such as Buster which starred Phil Collins, Bridget Jones' Diary and comedies such as Carry On Cabbie.

Despite their age the cabs are in good working order and are often used at local weddings.

Mr Tomkinson said: "The display should be of interest to people of all ages."

Mayor of Bolton Cllr John Walsh who is planning to arrive on the day, dressed in full mayoral robes on a horse drawn carriage, said: "We will be looking at public service vehicles that have served the people of Bolton over the years.

"It will be a chance to celebrate another part of Bolton's history."

On January 18 and 19, visitors to the vintage display will also have the opportunity to join in a variety of other Charter celebration events in Churchgate in the town centre. These will include a medieval market.

Also on January 18 at the Reebok Stadium there will be a spectacular floral arts display in the Lion of Vienna Suite.

The evening before, on January 17, the Reebok Stadium will host the Mayor's charity ball to celebrate the Charter anniversary and raise money for the Bolton Coronary Care Appeal.