EASTENDERS star Jo Joyner recorded a YouTube video backing Bolton's first Pride Festival — after organiser James Edgington called up his old pal to ask for her support.

The actress, who plays Tanya Branning in the soap and is currently starring in the hit BBC drama Ordinary Lies, recorded the video and gives her emphatic backing to the festival, adding: "Love Bolton, hate homophobia."

The event, organised by Harwood actor Mr Edgington and Warrington Pride manager Mark Geary, will feature music and theatre from the borough's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community.

The event will begin on Friday, October 16, with a community awards dinner, which will take place at the Whites Hotel, honouring the best of local community groups.

Festivities will continue throughout the weekend with a sports day, club night and indoor market.

Mr Edgington, a columnist for The Bolton News, said: "We are very grateful to Jo for recording the video for us. I know her from way back and she's really up for giving us all the support we need for the event.

"Hopefully we will be able to get a few more famous faces as time goes on."

Mr Edgington hopes to pair up with more businesses and community groups — as well as some more famous names from his contacts book.

He said: "We have had an amazing response so far from businesses and bars in the town saying that they would love to get involved since the article in The Bolton News, which is incredible.

"As expected we have had some negative comments from people too, but in my opinion this is the exact reason that the town needs a festival like this."

For regular updates about the pride weekend, follow @PrideBolton and facebook.com/boltonpride, or visitBoltonPride.com.

TELL US: What do you think? Email letters@theboltonnews.co.uk