The Mayor of Bolton along with an MP and a 100-year-old war veteran have officially reopened a cafe providing support for veterans in the town centre.
The Para Cafe, in Thynne Street, has reopened its outdoor area in line with recent lockdown easing, unveiling a poignant new mural commemorating a Bolton war hero.
The mural is in memory of late paratrooper Albert Campbell, the grandad of co-owner Lauren Cole, and depicts World War II’s Operation Market Garden, one of the deadliest battles of the war.
The striking image has been recreated by artist Kazer Graff, who also painted the mural on Sweet Green Tavern.
The mural was officially unveiled as teh cafe also reopened its doors for outside seating.
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas, cut the ribbon to mark the cafes reopening, alongside Bury South MP Christian Wakeford.
Also in attendance was 100-year-old war veteran Wilf Oldham MBE, from Radcliffe, who served with 1st Battalion Border Regiment (Airborne) at the deadly battle of Arnhem.
Wilf Oldham with the Mayor of Bolton and Consort at The Para Cafe
He was one of the few who escaped at the end of the 1944 battle, which is depicted in Richard Attenborough's epic war film, A Bridge Too Far.
Cllr Thomas said: "Para Cafe Bolton grand opening by the Mayor of Bolton and the wonderful Wilf Oldham, 100 year old Arnhem veteran.
"Unveiling the magnificent memorial mural on Thynne Street— worth a visit to see."
Chairman of the Bolton-branch of the Parachute Regimental Association, David Sharkey, said: "Christian is Wilf's Bury South MP and will be working with various veterans groups and the Mayors of Bolton and Bury to establish a veterans centre to cover both Bolton and Bury, providing support and social interaction to all armed forces veterans.
"Also present were several members of Bolton Parachute Regimental Association (PRA).
"The owners of the café, Lauren Cole and Danny Loynd, are great supporters of the branch and have raised nearly £800 towards supporting veterans in Bolton."
Bolton PRA are currently fundraising to get Mr Oldham back to Arnhem for one last time this September.
Donations can be made at justgiving.com/campaign/Hero or visit boltonpra.com.
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