A POPULAR summer fair has been saved thanks to a windfall from Bolton Council.

The Bromley Cross Summer Fair came under threat when the area forum budget was slashed last year.

Organisers, Friends of Bromley Cross, have now won a bid for £3,000 to hold the fair for its fourth year running on Saturday, May 10.

Cllr David Greenhalgh — who led the fight for funding — said the fair was a vital event for the community in Bromley Cross.

He said: ”We are very grateful for the money from Bolton Council because it means we can continue to run this fantastic community event.

“We were initially short of cash this year because our area forum budget could no longer cover the extra cost.

“The reason why it is so important to the people of Bromley Cross is because it promotes schools and community groups in the area.

"Really, it’s an investment because charities are able to raise so much extra funding on the day.

“We would have found a way to raise the extra cash some how but this money from the council’s mainstream budget has really helped.”

The fair is also supported by Bolton at Home and the Last Drop Village donate the venue for the day as well.

The total running costs of the fair are £8,000 with £5,000 raised from fundraising, donations and grants.

More than 50 organisations and charities hold stalls to promote their work and raise extra funds.

In 2012, more than 10,000 visited the fair and £30,000 was raised.

A council spokesman said: “The Bromley Cross annual summer fair has become a popular event, not just for residents of Bromley Cross, but for the whole of the borough.

“As well as being a free family attraction, the event also gives local charities the opportunity to raise money for their organisations. It’s an event that brings out the very best in community spirit.”

The fair will be open from 10.30am to 4pm.