THE Journal has this week become the first local newspaper to be sponsored by a town!

A unique link-up between The Journal and John Ayres, the new town centre manager for Leigh, Golborne and Platt Bridge, was announced this week.

In a special Summer package, The Journal will be sponsored by Town Centre Management.

And The Journal is now heavily committed to organising an extensive series of events and activities throughout the town centre.

Already The Journal has promoted fun times in and around the Spinning Gate Centre and the Market Hall. And we've got lots, lots more to come.

In a joint announcement, Journal editor Malcolm Ryding and Mr Ayres said: "This is a unique partnership. We are both excited to be working together for the good of Leigh's town centre; for the shops, businesses and shoppers."

And Mr Ayres added: "I want to get the message across to people that Leigh is a great place to shop.

"There are 150,000 people within 25 minutes drive time of Leigh. I want them coming to Leigh to shop. The Journal, with their promotional activity and publicity, will help encourage them to shop in the town."

Welcoming the sponsorship deal, Newsquest (Lancashire Frees) managing director Harry Grooby said: "The Journal has a 123 year investment in Leigh.

"We have Leigh at heart - the businesses and the community at large. We are committed to continuing to work for their benefit."

This Friday and Saturday there are fun events for children and you can hear the Wigan Youth Big Band.

Line-dancing is all the rage. And you can step-into the fun when WISH FM sponsor a line-dancing event on the Library Square on Saturday, July 5.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.