THE manager of Churchills nightclub today spoke of her horror at the 'tragic turn of events' which unfolded last May.

Angela Calvert says she cried for days after the death of teenager Gavin Tattersall and is still affected by the traumatic night.

She said: "I have a son the same age as Gavin and when I saw him lay there I couldn't help but think of my son.

"It was horrendous and I cried for days. You feel responsible even though you are not.

"This is something that is still with me every day and affects me in lots of different ways. It never goes away and that is very hard to cope with." The club was closed as soon as police were alerted to the scene and re-opened a week later.

But trade dropped dramatically at the club, owned by Farnworth Wholesale Drinks, and a decision was made to close the premises weeks later.

Churchills has now re-opened on Friday nights for an under-18s disco between 7pm and 11pm and the nightclub is available for private functions.

A decision will be made shortly on whether to reopen on Saturday for over-18s.

On the Saturday night prior to Gavin Tattersall's death Ms Calvert said she was taking money on the door at the Willow Street club when she saw Ian Britcliffe rush past her booth and into the club. She said he and another doorman came out with some youths, including Gavin Tattersall.

Ian Britcliffe's son Christopher was also there, she said.

She said: "As I was coming out of the kiosk I heard a crack and when I looked I saw Gavin at the bottom of the stairs.

"I have no idea how he got there. I was totally horrified."

She said: "The door staff are fully trained and are all registered.

"It is just a tragic turn of events and I am really feeling for the boy's family.

"People get thrown out of pubs all the time but unfortunately this went tragically wrong."