A BURY-born woman is trying to research a bizarre story dating back 60 years -- about a starving Bolton bride in a coffin on Blackpool Promenade!

Chrissie Gittings, a poet who now lives in London, is trying to find out more about the amazing stories of the honeymooners who went off to the coast -- and spent their days and nights in coffins in sideshows.

"I first came across the stories when I was researching Ghandi's visit to Lancashire, but the library sent me stories about the brides as well."

A fascinated Chrissie started digging and found out more about the antics of the newly-weds.

"It was in the 1930s and many were starving. I know one came from Bolton because I have seen a quote from her which said: 'I would rather be doing this in Blackpool than starving in Bolton'."

Chrissie knows there were three booths on the Prom and two closed down when forced by the authorities, but one run by a Mr Gannon refused to close.

"He loved the controversy and the publicity. He used to charge 1d a time," added Chrissie who now wants to write a radio play about the starving brides.

Anyone who knows about Bolton's starving bride can contact her at 24 Elsinore Road, Forest Hill, London, SE23 2SL, or phone 020 8291 2454, or e-mail chirssieg@tesco.net.