KEN Barlow took time off from Coronation Street to visit Bolton Town Hall recently.

The actor who plays him was here to support the altogether more serious business of stopping Crime.

In fact Bill Roache is Patron of Crimestoppers, and was launching the crime-busting campaign 'Safe to Talk'.

Greater Manchester Crimestoppers is behind the campaign in conjunction with Bolton Council.

'Safe to Talk' is aimed at local people who have valuable information about criminals, but do not want to get too involved.

The latest initiative will allow people to contact Crimestoppers to pass on their information.

Sue Arden, Crimestoppers Regional Development Manager, said: "The Crimestoppers telephone number - 0800 555 111 - gives residents the opportunity to pass on information they have on criminal activity totally anonymously. No calls are traced."