A FORMER Chief Constable of Greater Manchester came to Bolton to take part in Salvaion Army celebrations yesterday.

Sir James Anderton, who was considered a controversial figure during his 15 years as Chief Constable, visited the Salvation Army hostel in Duke Street as guest at a celebration naming ceremony.

The hostel, which opened in 1984, has been christened 'Gilead House' after the biblical town of Gilead which was known as a place of refuge for those in need.

The Duke Street hostel has a team of 35 staff providing 24-hour care for up to 67 single men in need of somewhere to stay .

Mr Anderton, who has been a member of the Salvation Army local advisory board for 23 years and was chairman for nine years, chatted to hostel residents and unveiled a plaque marking the building's new name.

He said: "It is really important to have places like this to provide care, hope and compassion.

"Thousands of people have benefited from the care and devotion shown here."

The 69-year-old former police chief, who was brought up in Wigan and now lives in Sale, is enjoying his retirement, but remains busier than ever working in the voluntary sector.

He is president of Disabled Living in Manchester, president of the North-West YMCA and helped to set up the Partnership in Prisons initiative which involves YMCA volunteers working with young offenders' institutions.

Mr Anderton, who has a daughter living in London, does take a break occasionally and loves gardening, reading, music and the theatre.

He added: "I do miss my time in the police, but I'm always busy.

"I had a tremendous time in the police force and have no regrets - but I do sympathise with the police today because they have such a tough job to do."

Gilead House manager Capt Hilarie Watchorn, said: "It's nice for the building to have a name at last.

"All the staff took a vote on what we should call it. The centre is always very busy - we rarely have a bed free and today is a good opportunity for people to see what goes on here."