A STEP BACK IN HISTORY IN BOLTON

Visitors flocked to a Bolton fish and chip restaurant for a taste of the 1940s war time spirit.

Union flags and songs to keep the home fires burning rang out of Olympus Fish and Chips in Great Moor Street all weekend.

Coaches full of visitors from across the country visited Bolton to be served by staff dressed as soldiers, naval officers, sailors, nurses and land girls.

Diners were also treated to sing-alongs throughout the day from Farnworth Performing Arts.

Olympus owner, Tasos Pattichis, donned his finest admiral costume for the special occasion.

Mr Pattichis said: “It has been a fantastic weekend. We have had more than 400 visitors from places like Newcastle and Derbyshire especially for this event and it has been brilliant.

“We have had big sing alongs while people ate and then they were able to go shopping before coming back for tea and scones.”

Staff had also decked the restaurant out with original wartime memorabilia.

Customer Muriel Nevin, aged 80, from Glossop, said: “We have had a lovely time and it’s been nice for a bit of novelty. We really enjoyed the music and singing while we were having our dinner.”

Dorothy Wood, aged 85, also from Glossop, added: “The thing is we can remember the war still and the music has just bought it all flooding back. The staff have done a brilliant job with their costumes. I just wish there had been some RAF pilots.”

Mr Pattichis said he hoped the event had been a good boost for tourism in Bolton.

He added: “We have literally had coach loads of people to coming to Bolton this weekend and it’s nice to bring new visitors to the town. I really hope they enjoyed their visit and come back again to see us.”