VISITORS flocked to Bolton Museum on the first day that Bolton Council’s £75,000 haul of Nat Lofthouse keepsakes went on public display.

Museum staff reported a surge in visitors and inquiries as three cabinets of Nat’s precious belongings were displayed in the Bolton Lives gallery.

Bolton Wanderers fans viewing the items praised the council for buying them at auction.

Along with Wanderers, NCP, Bolton at Home and the Friends of Bolton Museum, the council bought 19 items being sold by Nat’s children at an auction in Chester on November 6.

Among the visitors yesterday was Michael Anderson, aged 72, from Little Lever, who said: “It’s brilliant and it means an awful lot to us that saw him play.

“I followed him throughout his whole career, from 1950 when I used go as a boy and pay nine pence. I remember the shiny kits, they used to dazzle the opposition under the floodlights.

“He is the Lion of Vienna and should always be remembered.”

His wife Betty added: “This is a great addition.

“My brother went to one of the cup finals so it’s great those occasions will be remembered.”

Ian Twining, from Deane, said: “It’s terrific, he was a one-club man all his life and deserved to be knighted.”

Dave Nelson, from Breightmet, added: “These things belong in Bolton.

“It’s good for the town and it seems there have been lots of people having a look already.”