A LEADING light in the local Labour Party has celebrated his 50th anniversary in style with a VIP bash.

Three MPs, MEP Terry Wynn and several Wigan borough councillors wished former Hindley Green Labour Party chief John Bourke a happy half century at the event at Astley Labour Club. Mr Bourke, of North Lane, Astley, has been a Labour Party member for 25 years and was on MEP Mr Wynn's selection committee when he won the nomination to stand for the European parliament.

Also toasting Mr Bourke at the party was the father of Wigan Council Cllr Stan Simmons along with the chairman of education Cllr Brian Wilson and Cllr Steve Murphy chairman of the police authority.

Mr Bourke, the ex-chairman of Hindley Green Labour Party, is now the chairman of the National Association of Governors and Managers of schools and colleges for the Wigan borough.