A GLITCH in buying “accessible” Bolton Food and Drink Festival tickets has been resolved after organisers were contacted by a fan of celebrity chef James Martin.

Audrey Fair, who is dependent on a wheelchair, and her daughter, Judith Durkin found that tickets for people in wheelchairs could not be bought on the website or on the phone.

But organisers say they have now fixed the problem — and urged people to grab their tickets for the festival, where many shows have limited availability.

Ms Durkin, who lives in Astley Bridge, said: “My mum has wanted to see James Martin for a long time and this year, I managed to book time off work to go.

"I tried to get tickets but Quay Tickets didn’t seem to know about the wheelchair tickets and when I spoke to the council they didn’t seem to know about how to get them.

“I spent a long time trying to get hold of them. I first rang over a week ago and then visited the council.”

Organisers said the problem has now been resolved after Ms Durkin contacted them and that accessible tickets can now be seen on the website. Quay Tickets, which is selling tickets for the festival, is also aware of the special tickets and two have been reserved for Mrs Fair and Ms Durkin, who are now looking forward to seeing their favourite chef in action.

Mrs Fair, who lives in St Helens Road, said: “I think he is a brilliant chef, he is very down to earth.”

Bolton Food and Drink Festival gets underway next Friday and it will be James’ 10th appearance at it.

James will be starring in a show alongside Michael Caines ­— who will launch the festival on Friday, August 24 before hosting the gala dinner the same night ­— baking queen Nadiya Hussain and Ainsley Harriott.

They will be giving demonstrations and there will be special events taking place, including gin tasting, beer and pasties and brunch and cakes.

There will also be an evening event led by regional chef Andrew Nutter.

Bolton Food and Drink Festival is billed as the “biggest and the best in the north” by Bolton Council leader, Cllr Linda Thomas.

Last year more than 267,000 visitors flocked to the town to enjoy the attractions, food and drink markets, and children’s entertainment.

A spokesman for the council said tickets are selling fast and urged people to get them soon.

For tickets and more information visit www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com/