DURING World War Two Bolton became home to thousands of young evacuees who were often glad to be away from the fear of bombing but sometimes homesick for everything they knew.

Here we see a group having fun in Queens Park and judging by the smiles they were happy to be here in our town.

Evacuation was a major feat, Operation Pied Piper, which began on September 1, 1939, officially relocated more than 3.5 million people.

There were further waves of official evacuation and re-evacuation from the south and east coasts in June 1940, when a seaborne invasion was expected and from affected cities after the Blitz began in September 1940.

Evacuation also took place from the UK to other parts of the British Empire.

There were also many non official evacuations taking place during this time too.

British citizens arrived from the Channel Islands as they were clearly closer to the impending danger than most and displaced people arrived from continental Europe also.

Do you have any memories of evacuation to Bolton you could share with other readers.

Get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk to share your stories.

We will feature your memories in a future edition of Looking Back.