IT will be party time in Ramsbottom to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee now the council has agreed to waive street closure fees for the weekend of June 1 to 4.

Organisers can also take advantage of a special insurance rate which has been negotiated by Bury Metro Council.

Notification of any planned street parties must be with the council by April 30 so all the necessary arrangements can be made.

Coun John Byrne, Bury Metro's council leader, said: "We know that many people are considering staging some form of celebration to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

"And as a council we are trying to be as supportive as possible.

"That is why we have cleared away any red tape obstacles for those who are contemplating a street party in their neighbourhood around the official celebration date."

So far the town is planning to hold a display showing life in Ramsbottom in the 1950s at Ramsbottom Library.

Ramsbottom Heritage Society will have special displays in the heritage centre and will be carrying out oral tapings with the help of North West Sound Archives on June 1.

A one-act play festival will be staged by the Summerseat Players in the Theatre Royal and there will be a Golden Jubilee dance on June 1 at the Civic Hall.

The big day will be Ramsbottom Country Fair and Classic Car Show at Nuttall Park on June 3 hosted by local resident and BBC TV presenter Martin Henfield.

And on June 2 at St Paul's Church there will be a songs of praise from 6pm.