BOLTON was battered by strong winds, rain and hail that left a trail of destruction across the borough.

The torrential weather saw trees crashing into roads, flooding and damage to vehicles.

In Chorley New Road, a large tree was uprooted and blown across the busy road, leading to delays for road users who also had to navigate past an area of flooding in the same road.

In Gilnow Road, shopkeeper Vinod Rabadia watched as a tree was blown onto her car.

She said: “We heard a big bang outside — I ran out and immediately knew it was my vehicle under the tree, hopefully the insurance will cover the damage.”

A large conifer tree was split in half at an address Coniston Avenue, Farnworth where Maragaret Hall was visiting her sister Angela Daubney.

Margaret said: “The tree split and part of it ended up resting against the house next door — it’s a very big tree, it’s bigger than the house.”

Bolton Council were called out to deal with 15 incidents involving fallen trees, including visits to Blackrod, Bromley Cross and Tonge Moor.

Even Father Christmas was not immune to the tempestuous weather as wind removed the roof from his grotto in Victoria Square.

There was also drama in Radcliffe after the town’s Christmas tree was snapped by strong winds and the Green Street swimming pool and fitness suite was closed because of structural damage.