AN Aladdin's Cave with its very own genie will give children in Bury a chance to make their Christmas wishes come true.

Bury market has teamed up with the town's Carol Godby Theatre Workshop to bring festive spirit to the stalls.

Beginning tomorrow and on every Saturday, the genie will be in residence and waiting to hear what local youngsters have to say.

Market bosses have "borrowed" the genie from the big Christmas show at the Met arts centre, where Carol Godby's Workshop are presenting "Aladdin" from December 7 to 30.

Mr John Ayres, markets manager, said: "We wanted to do something a little different this year. "Now, thanks to Carol, the genie will be able to get in some early practice, granting wishes.

"Our own Aladdin's Grotto will be free to enter and children can call in and make a wish.

"As an added attraction, Carol's team are planning to have wandering singers, dance classes and theatrical presentations, plus colourfully-clad costume characters mingling with the crowds."

Mr Ayres added: "We have always prided ourselves on the festive spirit in Bury but this year it is going to be bigger and brighter than ever.

"We have put together a full programme of events running right up to Christmas and the Millennium.

"We hope even more shoppers will come along and join the 250,000 visitors who every week take a tour around Bury's famous market."

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