ARTS workers have pledged that rain won't douse their flame when a Bolton community takes to the streets by torchlight on Friday.

After months of planning, Les Elvin and his team at Breightmet Arts are making their final preparations for a lantern procession through local streets to welcome in the New Year.

Mr Elvin has been hosting lantern making workshops over recent weeks at schools and community centres throughout Breightmet and says they now have more than 100 torches ready to light the night sky on Friday.

"We wanted to do something to welcome in the new Millennium and a torch procession seemed like the best idea," said Mr Elvin. "We have been helping people in Breightmet to make their own lanterns and it should be a great night."

There will also be a truly international flavour to the event, thanks to a some designs all the way from New Zealand.

Children from Breightmet's St Andrews Primary have embarked on an Internet exchange with counterparts from Ahipara School in New Zealand and told them about the procession.

In return, the New Zealand youngsters have sent their own designs for lanterns to the school which have been made up into the real thing by the enthusiastic pupils.

Mr Elvin is hoping to bring a carnival atmosphere to the streets of Breightmet by having the Pulse percussion band beating the drums at the head of the procession and the walkers entertained by street dancers.

"Rain has been forecast for rain on Friday but it won't stop us," said Mr Elvin. "No matter what the weather we will carry on with the procession regardless, but hopefully the elements will be kind to us."

The procession starts at 6pm on Friday at the Breightmet Labour Club on Milnthorpe Road. It will take in Deepdale Road and up to Withins Hill before going onto Kentmere Road and Newby Road, finishing at Withins Leisure Centre for refreshments.

And it's not too late to carry a torch even if you don't have your own lantern.

"We would love to see even more people at the procession so everyone is welcome," said Mr Elvin. "If you don't have a lantern just bring a torch and be at the Labour Club at 6pm."