AN American cross bearer is trying to track down a crucifix he carried into a Bolton church more than 50 years ago.

Ray Barber, from Alabama, is eager to find the old cross he regularly carried into Bolton Parish Church during special summer services.

But so far he has hit a brick wall and he has appealed to BEN readers to help him.

He said: "I believe the wooden cross belonged to either the parish church or Canon Slade Grammar School.

"I was the first Crucifer to carry the cross and I'm very keen to find out what happened to it."

The cross was dedicated to the father of one of the school's teachers, Bill Whiteside.

Some people in Bolton still remember it. Former Bolton choir girl Marjorie Holder, of Tarvin Walk, Halliwell, who attended Canon Slade Grammar School from 1947 to 1953, said: "We held a special service every summer in Bolton Parish Church and were led into church by a male chorister carrying a large wooden cross.

"I have also tried to find it but I can get no joy."

The archives at the parish church have also thrown a blank.

Parish Administrator Stephen Mort said: "Our archivist is unable to trace this cross among our current possessions but 1950 is a long time ago.

"There have been several changes of vicars since who could have passed the cross onto someone else or even thrown it away.

"But at the moment there does not seem to be a cross that cannot be accounted for."

If you know the whereabouts of the cross, contact the BEN on 01204 361248.