The North West’s largest wellbeing event has returned to Bolton for the second year running with a former heavyweight champion giving a powerful insight into his life.

Delivered in partnership with Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWitC), It’s Mental Live on Friday, March 1 attracted around 5,000 people to the event, which aims to educate and inspire people to take care of their mental wellbeing.

Exhibitors delivered sessions on health as well as former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno making an appearance to talk about life after his bipolar disorder diagnosis and what motivated him to take control.

Model and reality TV star Ferne McCann talked about her turn to wellness as a mum and how challenging this can be.

Ferne starred in The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) and was also in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here before she became a wellness entrepreneur.

Horwich and Blackrod First Cllr Ryan Bamforth, who was in attendance, said: “This is year two of It's Mental Live and it is clearly going from strength to strength.

The Bolton News:

“An amazing military charity, Front Foot Jobs arranged for a Veterans Retreat which saw numerous Military Charities and organisations from up and down the country come together.

“We had local Bolton veteran Ryan Yates of Veterans Army run a stall and even brought along one of the K9 companions that his charity had trained to support a Veteran in need.

“The organisers Joanna and Steve put on a hugely successful event with amazing guest speakers from all backgrounds and experiences.”

Guest speakers included Wanderers’ chairman Sharon Brittan, first team manager Ian Evatt, CEO Neil Hart, CEO of BWitC Phil Mason, as well as TV personalities Ferne McCann and CEO of Shoorah Lorri Haines, former footballer Colin Hendry and two times Guinness World Record holder Zee Jogi, from Blackburn.

Mr Mason, who is also Wanderers chief operating officer, said: “As a club with community at its heart, the promotion of positive mental and physical wellbeing is a top priority for us.

READ MORE: Queens Park Café, Bolton subject of talks to open it

READ MORE: Cardwells Estate Agent on Bolton's rental market

READ MORE: The Cugini Pizza cousins to move into Ramsbottom Cricket Club

"The club’s official charity BWitC are pleased to partner closely with It’s Mental Live to deliver this unique event.”

Last year, the event had plenty to do and see, including charity Speed of Sight allowing people to experience driving blindfolded as they supported the work the charity undertook to teach visually impaired people how to drive.

The event opened at 10am and finished at 10.30pm.