A GIANT party lasting eighteen months will mark an unforgettable milestone in Leigh's history.

Exciting plans are in the pipeline to celebrate Leigh borough's centenary and the end of the century.

As well as a memorable timetable of fun, the project is likely to include a permanent reminder of this historic moment.

It could be a canalside marina or a civic square fountain.

A list of proposals has been compiled ranging from a bikini week and street parties to a summer marquee ball, jazz festival, yo-yo extravaganza and a carnival.

Business people and town centre manager John Ayres have drawn-up an exhaustive list of 160 events which would mean funtime in Leigh from August next year and through the Millennium.

And Leigh 100 and 2000 Group, which has been discussing the project since last November, is promoting a series of events.

Group co-ordinator Rita Jones said: "We feel strongly that Leigh Centenary and the Millenium is a big opportunity to show the community an upturn of spirit and confidence in the town."

YOUR ideas are welcome. Send them to Rita Jones at Colliers, 41 Railway Road, Leigh, WN7 4AA.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.