CHRISTMAS is the time, traditionally, for giving, and a Bolton shopping centre is hoping customers will help them give a little something to local charities.

The Market Place, which has a host of charity-run initiatives throughout the festive period — including gift wrapping, a Santa’s grotto, and even The Bolton News toy appeal — is urging shoppers to not only think local when it comes to buying gifts but also when it comes to charity.

Centre manager Rod Neasham said the centre was fully behind The Bolton News’ “We’re Backing Bolton”

campaign, which aims to get festive shoppers to keep their trade local.

He said: “We really want to get behind the campaign because we realise how tough an area we are operating in.

“We have Manchester, the Trafford Centre, and Bury on our doorsteps, as well as the other towns and cities all competing for the same customers.

Fort Alice, the refuge for domestic violence victims, is providing a gift wrapping service, while this year the Santa’s Grotto, which is open every Thursday to Sunday, will be raising money for Vision Aid, which helps families with visuallyimpaired children.

Mr Neasham said: “We want to try to help all the local charities, so we would urge customers to come down and see what we have to offer.”

The Bolton News has teamed up with Bolton Council to launch the “We’re Backing Bolton” campaign.

The aim of the campaign — which has already been backed by a host of local businesses — is to get Boltonians to take a fresh look at what the borough has to offer and to “think local”

this Christmas.

Tell us what makes you proud to be from Bolton, or any positive stories about the town, by calling our newsdesk on 01204 537270.