AN ex-Bolton man visiting his home town thought he had stumbled on a scene from inner city America during a quiet family walk.

Patrick Kelly, of Tampa, Florida, was taking a relaxing stroll in Barrow Bridge when he came face-to-face with workmen dragging a truck out of the river.

Mr Kelly, 42, was spending a few days in Bolton during a UK family holiday when his quiet Sunday afternoon was interrupted.

Keen photographer Mr Kelly captured the rescue operation as a crane hoisted the vehicle out.

He said: "It was a shock. I tell my children about the beautiful countryside and peace and quiet in my home town. You expect to see a dumped truck in down-town Miami or LA but not in Barrow Bridge!"

He added: "I can only assume it had been stolen. It's a shame people have nothing better to do and can't appreciate the scenery instead of spoiling it."

Mr Kelly's surprised children Michelle, nine, and twins Vivian and Vanessa, seven, will be telling their classmates back in America about the unexpected distraction to their visit.

He said: "It's a bit of a story for them to tell their friends, certainly not what we expected."

The truck rescue is not the first time former Thornleigh pupil Mr Kelly has had pictures published in the Bolton Evening News.

As a 13-year-old schoolboy he took pictures of a fire which were printed in the paper.

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