THE perfect man to judge Bolton's modern-day War of the Roses with Leeds has announced his winner. Leeds-born Malcolm Bristow spent two decades growing up in the Yorkshire city, but crossed the Pennines to live the last 27 years in Lancashire. And today he proudly proclaimed: "There's no contest whatsoever. Bolton's better by far."

Mr Bristow, of Ladybridge, Bolton, spoke out after freelance travel journalist Stephen McClarence, writing in the Yorkshire Post, branded Bolton a dump and laughed at its efforts to boost tourism.

"Describing him as a Yorkshire pudding would be too kind," said Mr Bristow, aged 47. "I reckon he must be a real dumpling to have written what he did."

Mr Bristow told the BEN that Leeds did have plus points and added Mr McClarence was correct when he said the city had a bigger town hall than Bolton's.

But he also recalled growing up in a grimy Leeds covered with soot and said he would never return to his roots.

"The town hall itself used to be black with soot," he said. "The only time I go back now is to see my parents."

The father-of-two added he now regarded himself as a Boltonian after spending many happy years in the town with his family.

"I'm an adopted Lancastrian and I believe Bolton to be a marvellous example of what this county is like," he said.

And Mr Bristow, manager at old folk's home Darley Park, said the list detailing Bolton's brilliance was endless.

"There are so many good things about it," he said. "It's great for access to the rest of the country and has excellent restaurants as well as superb shops. Business facilities are also good and I would say, overall, we are a truly go-ahead town."

ANOTHER reader has agreed with the Yorkshire critics of Bolton. Barry Green, of Harwood, said: "Bolton has a long way to go to catch up with places like Leeds. We should take the criticism on board and do something positive to improve our town." EX-SERVICEMEN have added their voices in support of Bolton in the War of the Roses.

Secretary of Bolton and district Ex-Servicemen and Women's Association Ellis Bailey said: "I don't know how anybody can label Bolton as 'Toytown' when you think of all the things this town did for the nation during the war."

PAUL Irving, Templecombe Drive, works in the booking office at Piccadilly Station, Manchester: "I agree with the reporter from Yorkshire.

"In the early morning I sometimes walk along Higher Bridge Street. It's disgusting. The litter, broken bottles and half filled pints are strewn around everywhere.

"I would get that sorted out before we go saying how wonderful Bolton is."

BOLTON is to play a major part in a huge North-west tourism drive.

Town attractions including the Reebok Stadium, Middlebrook Retail Park and Bolton Market will all feature as the region launches its most comprehensive travel directory this week.

The North West Tourist Board plans its biggest ever presence at the British Travel Trade Fair in Birmingham when it will unveil the new guide.

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