A LONG-serving member of a Bolton youth club has retired after 50 years.

Alan Watson MBE has given up his place on the board at Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club in Bark Street.

He joined the club in the 1940s as a swimming instructor after graduating from Cambridge University and in the next 50 years he stood as chairman twice.

Alan helped to raise £125,000 for the club's centenary appeal in 1989 and was instrumental in the club's proposed move to a £4.2m building in Spa Road next February.

He was awarded the MBE in 1999 for services to young people and the construction industry. Alan Watson is pictured above centre with Chris Haywood, Heather Profit, Laura Nuttall, Mo Mangera, and seated - Catherine Watson