THE Bank Holiday sunshine brought an unusual visitor out to play in Bolton town centre.

A wild deer was spotted dashing around by surprised passers-by.

The animal was discovered among the trees and gravestones at Bolton Parish Church.

And BEN photographer Nigel Taggart was on hand to capture the deer -- christened Bambi by Bolton Evening News staff -- on camera.

But mystery surrounds where Bambi came from.

He could have trotted up from land near the Valley Centertainment complex in Astley Bridge -- where deer are known to roam.

Alternatively, he may have found his way to Bolton from countryside on the outskirts of town.

Staff at the RSPCA admitted they had no clues as to where Bambi's home was nor why he had made an unusual appearance at the heart of the town centre.

And they decided to leave Bambi exactly where he was until nightfall in the hope he would return home without a problem.

RSPCA Bolton branch spokesman Kathy Kay said attempts to catch Bambi could have caused an accident.

Mrs Kay said animals in the past had been knocked down and killed by cars as they attempted to cross roads. She added: "They should always be left alone."