READ all about it. Young people have unveiled their vision for Bolton 2030 — it's an end to homelessness while building on the investment in the town centre and providing activities for the older generation.

More than 100 primary school and secondary school pupils mapped out the future of their home town — while reporting what is great about Bolton today.

The special ‘conference’ for the borough’s young people formed part of Bolton Vision.

Earlier this year, residents were asked to give their vision for how Bolton could look in 2030 and this week it was the turn of the young people.

They reported on Bolton’s strengths as well as what The Bolton News would be reporting in the future.

They also wrote, produced and directed videos to promote Bolton today and in the future.

Caitlin Cahill, aged 10, from Washacre Primary School in Westhoughton, said: "It is an exciting project to be involved with.

"I found out that Bolton has 32,000 volunteers and I think Bolton is amazing now. I would like to see more activities and I think there will be more shops and more places to work in the future."

A video made by young people highlights what is great about the town today — food festivals, social events, and its many famous people, cinema and shops.

Chelsea Allen, aged 10, from Blackshaw Primary School in Breightmet, said: "We had to research it and I found out quite a lot about the town."

Classmate Billy Corless, aged 11, added: "I have really enjoyed today and making the video. I have never done anything like that before and it was good to speak about what is good about Bolton."

Young people said they felt as if they were able to influence the town’s future.

Callum Stevens, aged 14, from Bolton St Catherine’s Academy said: "I think the community in Bolton is strong and I would like an end to homelessness."

Classmate Amanda Todd, aged 14, added: "I agree with Callum I would like to see more recreational services for the older generation."

She added:"Events like this enable young people to contribute, we are part of the community and will continue to be in 2030 and by taking part in this we can contribute."

Mayor of Bolton Cllr Roger Hayes said: "These young people are going to be in their 20s and it is vital we know what they want in Bolton.

“They are full of enthusiasm and energy. If they contribute now, hopefully they will continue to contribute in 2030. Chairman of the Vision Partnership, Dave Singleton would like to have a young person on the Vision Partnership steering committee.”

Mr Singleton added: "I’m always impressed by young people’s ideas. We have talked to young people before and it is about actively engaging them in their future. It’s there future and it is important they are part of that.

"From small ideas a lot of big things can emerge and young people just need to be listened to. I think you can feel the energy in the room."

In the coming weeks the ideas will be examined to form part of Bolton 2030 vision.

Visit The Bolton News website to hear the great things about Bolton.