IT started out as just a goodwill visit to a local primary school, but then the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Neville Singer, found himself the victim of a cunning kidnap gang!
They seized him from Holcombe Brook Primary School and incarcerated him in the Hare and Hounds pub at Ramsbottom, demanding a ransom "or the Mayor gets it."
Guarding the prisoner was landlord Joe Bleacher, his wife Kath and a band of local, hand-picked henchmen
To the rescue came a crack team of Territorial soldiers who swung into action to conclude the siege of Holcombe in spectacular style.
But the Mayor took the whole exciting event in his stride because the random demanded, and paid by generous local businesses and individuals, will benefit Holcombe Brook Primary School's playground appeal, and one of the Mayor's charities.
After his ordeal Councillor Singer said that it had not been unpleasant being held hostage in a pub!
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article