IDEAL weather today favoured the great walking contest on the road between Bolton and Southport - 31 miles. Soon after six o'clock people began to secure vantage points on the line of route, and half an hour later cyclists were pedalling into the country to secure good views of the race from positions not thronged with people.

The dressing rooms provided at the Empress Hall, Mealhouse-lane, presented a scene of remarkable activity. Long and short men, stout and lanky, a young man with one arm - there were all types, builds and ages, from 16 to 52.

The rooms were full of the smell of "rubbing bottles" for making the muscles pliable, and conversation was very animated as the chances of a select few were discussed.

Long before the hour appointed for starting the Town Hall steps were packed, and looked picturesque on a beautiful morning, whilst Victoria-sq. was thronged, but the police kindly rendered splendid service. The men were lined up, but the start was not made until seven minutes past the hour.

From the Evening News,July 25, 1953: OFFICIALS of the Bolton Agricultural Society were today faced with the fact that their Coronation Show at Smithills Hall may, as a result of today's rain, result in a financial loss.

With record entries in every class, it had been hoped that the show would be the "best ever yet", but early this afternoon, with the rain still falling, the attendance was far below that of previous years. The society was, unfortunately, not insured against unfavourable weather conditions.

Needless to say, refreshment tents and exhibition tents were the main attraction to the rain-soaked enthusiasts, and only those fortunate enough to possess an umbrella were present in the rings for the judging. Waterproofs and gum boots were the order of the day.

From the Evening News,July 25, 1978:

PLANS to build a massive sewage incinerator at Ringley Fold, Kearsley, have been rejected. But as residents talked of a celebration party, the "disappointed" North-west Water Authority said the £7 million disposal plant would have to go somewhere else in Greater Manchester.

The Government verdict on the long public inquiry into the project at the end of 1977 came as a surprise to many of the residents, who have been campaigning against the scheme for two years.

Environment Secretary Mr Peter Shore refused permission because it would have been "environmentally unacceptable".

From the Evening News,July 25, 1993:

A STAGGERING 306 hit-and-run accidents were reported to the police on Bolton's roads in the first five months of the year. The figure - an estimated 26 per cent of all road accidents in the town - is the second highest number recorded in the 13 police divisions in Greater Manchester.

Police have warned drivers that if they leave the scene of an accident they face a maximum fine, if caught, of £5,000 or six months in prison.