RAF RESCUE: Tottington man Gerald Downs of Royds Street was recovering after a dramatic rescue at sea by RAF helicopters.

Mr Downs was one of three divers from Bolton Sub-Aqua Club who drifted out to sea for five hours in an inflatable dinghy. They were spotted just as the RAF was about the postpone a further search until daylight.

Four fellow divers in a second boat had headed to shore to raise the alarm.

OPERATION CLEAN-UP: Vandals went on the rampage at Ramsbottom Swimming Baths when they smashed windows, ransacked officers and hurled chairs and soap into the pool. The £65,000 pool was closed for a week while it was drained, scrubbed and refilled.

CHEERS! Bury Licensing Bench gave their approval for the borough's pubs to open longer on Silver Jubilee days, June 6 and 7. Extensions from 3pm to 5pm and 10.30pm to 11.30pm were granted.