TRAGEDY struck in the early hours of this morning and now the operation to discover how two guests died in a fire at a Bolton hotel begins.

Accidents do and will continue to happen and often when fire is involved such incidents have devastating results.

It is in the interests of all concerned that a swift and thorough investigation is conducted and the conclusions broadcast widely.

The horrors of this morning will never be lost on those involved but if we can learn from such accidents and improve safety procedures for those who follow then the deaths of these two people, however painful for their families, will not have been in vain. A mayoral thumbs-down IN the end it came as no surprise. Bolton people have rejected the proposal for an American-style Mayor by two votes to one.

The town's tradition of a ceremonial figurehead is certainly one which should be cherished. The work of the Mayor is valued by many thousands of Boltonians every year.

To replace such a well-loved figure with an all-powerful politician may well have ruined that all-important relationship between the Town Hall and the public. Clamp down on racism LIKE many others we were sickened by the pictures of 74-year-old war veteran Walter Chamberlain beaten by youths in an apparent racist attack in nearby Oldham.

Mr Chamberlain was attacked by a gang of black youths as he walked home. It was the latest in a series of incidents in the town that has led to claims that certain areas are becoming no-go zones for white people.

Not surprisingly such remarks have given those with racist tendencies - be they black or white - the opportunity to feed on the fears of the public.

We urge the police to act swiftly to bring those responsible to justice, and we also plead for calm.

Good and evil will exist in our society -- whatever the colour of the perpetrators' skin.