THE Mayor of Bolton says the 750th anniversary of Bolton's historic charter is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate life in the town.

Cllr John Walsh is looking forward to a year long series of major events to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the signing of the Earl of Derby's charter making Bolton a borough because he says the document played such a key role in the town's economic growth.

The charter -- signed on January 14 1253 -- granted Bolton the right to hold a market and a fair.

Cllr Walsh said: "The charter is very important in economic terms. It played a significant part in making Bolton the town it is today. I think this anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Bolton."

The charter created the town's first link with the textile industry as it allowed fullers -- who cleansed and thickened cloth by washing and beating it -- to ply their trade in Bolton.

Cllr Walsh also added that the charter was a factor which attracted Flemish weavers into the town in the 14th century. Yesterday the Mayor, Cllr Laurence Williamson, Cllr Cliff Morris and Keith Davies, deputy director of education and culture, launched the charter celebrations at the Mayor's Parlour.

Events that have already been planned include an action packed charter weekend, which hotels are already looking into providing package holidays for.

On January 17, a glittering charity ball will be held at the Reebok in aid of the Bolton Coronary Care Appeal and on January 18 and 19 there will be a medieval market on Churchgate.

The idea to mark the charter's anniversary came to Cllr Walsh from a glance at his study wall while he was writing his inaugural mayoral speech.

He said: "I was looking for dates in Bolton's history that fell within my mayoral year. Ironically, I keep a copy of the charter on a wall in my study and I noticed that the charter was nearly 750 years old."