WORK began in 1984 on constructing an unusual structure which would serve the community.

A special charity canopy was built on Bolton's Victoria Square on the junction with Newport Street.

Thanks to a donation by Marks and Spencer to mark the famous store’s centenary, the canopy would provide a dry, sheltered spot for local charities to put up a stall or hold a special event.

The structure would also become home to the two cast iron elephants which had originally adorned the entrance to Bridson’s Foundry on Chorley Street and had also atopped the bus shelters outside the town hall.

The canopy was officially opened in March 1984 and would be come an essential part of many charities’ fundraising efforts for 30 years.

In 2014, the canopy was dismantled as part of a £1million redevelopment of Newport Street and the elephants would be found a new home in Howell Croft South near to the Octagon theatre.

Over 40 charities a year had been using the canopy and all claimed its closure had cost them hundreds of pounds in lost income.