RADCLIFFE's Civic Hall, as it was then known, was opened by the Prime Minister, Mr Harold Wilson, 30 years ago, but not without the odd hitch.

A mix-up in the route of the mayoral car meant the Mayor of Radcliffe, Councillor Thomas Jackson, had to hitch a lift with a passing van driver to arrive minutes before the Prime Minister's car drew up.

And with just 48 hours left as an independent authority, the building costing £250,000 was opened and a commemorative plaque unveiled.

Members of the male voice choir were among the audience, and Mr Charles Shaw and Mr James Keegan presented the Prime Minister with a copy of their combined album with the Radcliffe band, Pride of the Boro.

The Mayoress, Mrs Eleanor Jackson, also had a present for Mrs Mary Wilson, a souvenir handkerchief of Radcliffe's Borough charter in 1935.

Alderman Richard Fletcher, chairman of the civic hall sub-committee, also praised the efforts of the architects, Cruikshank and Seward, and the builders William Thorpe and Sons during the ceremony.

The Prime Minister and his wife were also taken on conducted tour of the hall, and a buffet lunch was served for the guests. After signing autographs, Mr Wilson left at 1pm.