BURY North MP David Chaytor has given the thumbs up to celebrations to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee in Ramsbottom despite the National Lotteries Board giving it the thumbs down!

Following the refusal of a £5,000 Lottery grant to fund the festivities, leading organiser of the event Mrs Linda de Ruijter met with Mr Chaytor to discuss a fund-raising campaign to "Save our Show".

He will also be attending the Made in Ramsbottom Exhibition which launches the Jubilee weekend on Friday May 31 in Ramsbottom Civic Hall.

Mrs de Ruijter said: "Mr Chaytor has added his support. But we still need more financial support.

"Thanks to those community-minded people who have already made donations, their support and confidence in the organisers means a lot. The show will still go on!"

Preparations for the bank holiday weekend to mark the Queen's 50 years on the throne are in their final stages. Events include free family entertainment at a country show at Nuttall Park which will include a farmers' market, classic car show and much more.

Mrs de Ruijter added: "It was so heartening to meet so many people at Rawtenstall's Jubilee fun day on Monday. They said they would be heading for our show in Nuttall Park on Monday June 3.

"People will not be disappointed, we have a great show planned."

Fund-raising efforts will continue this Thursday (May 16) with a mini-sale at the Lifelong Learning Centre in Bolton Street.