BATTLE lines will be drawn in Bury next week...for the mums versus councillors rounders match.

And there is more than just a little civic pride at stake, for mums of Hoyle Nursery in Bury have beaten the town's elected members for the last nine years.

The fun began 16 years ago when the mums challenged the Chairman of Governors, Cllr Trevor Holt, to bring along a team for a 'friendly' game of rounders.

Since then the event has grown - and so has the rivalry - and the occasion is now incorporated into an annual Fun Day which this year takes place on June 13.

Cllr Holt said: "To go a whole decade without a win is not on, and I think we are going to have to get some extra training in before the big day.

"Over the first few years we did quite well in the annual games and scored the odd victory. But since then the mums really have got the better of us."

But whatever the score, the day is expected to be a huge success for the nursery at Chesham Fold, which has grown and grown since it started up more than 20 years ago.

Cllr Holt added: "All is not lost yet, and who knows this year we might manage to surprise those who have written us off."

The fun begins at noon and the rounders match of the decade is due to start at 1.30pm.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.