A STONE statue of King Edward VII which provided a landmark at the old Bolton Royal Infirmary is to be moved to the new hospital site in a bid to preserve the town's heritage.

The stone memorial stood proud over the main entrance of the Infirmary's nursing home King Edward house for more than eighty years.

But the statue has been homeless ever since the Chorley New Road hospital was demolished after it closed in 1996.

Bolton Hospitals Arts Project now want to move the King Edward to one of the courtyards off the main corridor at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

They also want to move five pieces of leaded stain glass recovered from various windows.

A stained glass artist would then design five new windows including the old work to be housed on the main corridor.

The Arts Project is now applying for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to pay for both projects.

And they want local business's support for what they say will benefit the town and help preserve its heritage.

Arts co-ordinator Jenny Walsh said: "We want people to support this very worthwhile application by writing to let us know that they want to see Bolton's local history and culture retained within the local community in this way."

Anyone who wants to support the bid should write to Jenny Walsh, BHE Services, Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Farnworth, Bolton. BL1 0JR.