CHILDREN new to Bolton enjoyed a traditional festive party when Father Christmas dropped by to entertain around 50 children and their parents from different parts of the world.

Bolton-based Starting Point is an organisation which gives children, aged four to 17-years-old, an induction in to UK schools. Many are children with refugee status, and some are asylum seekers and those of parents who have come to this country to work.

The party was sponsored by Bolton African Community Association.

Katy Kellet, project co-ordinator, said: "All the children loved it. Leader of the Councillor Barbara Ronson also came."

Ms Kellet added: "The thing that all these children have in common is that they are all different, but despite the language barriers they all get on. Thanks goes to Nat Biney and the rest of the African association for putting on the party."