I HAVE noted The Bolton News’ We’re Backing Bolton campaign and wanted to congratulate and support you on such a brilliant venture.

Readers may not realise that Members of the European Parliament are elected to represent a region of their country. In my case, this is the North West of England — very much including Bolton.

Indeed, earlier this month, I spent a full day visiting businesses, charities and other organisations in Bolton. I had a wonderful, fascinating day and experienced the full breadth and depth of life across the town and surrounding areas.

As a Lancastrian, I have been connected with Bolton all of my life, with strong family and business links, but the chance to spend the whole day just chatting to Boltonians really highlighted for me the strength and diversity of the town.

Be it world leading company Leigh Paints, a key employer that has been at the same factory since the 1930s, to the Asian Elders Resource Centre, where their oldest member, aged 105, still walks a mile to the Centre every day. The bright pupils of Year Seven at Rivington and Blackrod High School, who questioned me in depth (the most daunting challenge of the day), local small businesses who form the backbone of the Bolton economy, through to the amazing work at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

And of course, I cannot forget to mention Bolton Wanderers, or Councillor John Walsh, who must be their biggest fan, would never forgive me.

The Bolton News has been at the forefront of the Bolton community for more than 140 years, sharing good times and bad with its readers.

It is therefore right that The Bolton News should lead a campaign to promote Bolton, its people, its businesses and the warmth of living in a strong community that embraces people from all walks of life.

I am honoured to give my support to your campaign and look forward to continuing my close relationship with Bolton.

Sajjad Karim LLB MEP Conservative North West of England