1976 has been declared the best year on record by a government think-tank. I have to agree, I remember it being one of the happiest in my life.

Perhaps that was because I returned to a social life in Leigh after a few years away (I hear the call "what a saddo") and the sunshine days of the long, hot summer made life more enjoyable.

What was happening in Leigh that year?

It got off to a rough start with 80mph winds leaving a trail of havoc and the emergency services dealing with 2000 calls.

Comic Bernard Manning appeared at the High Jump Club, Astley.

Golborne rector Harold Cunliffe appealed to people to turn off their TV sets and make an effort to go to church and plans for a superstore on land at Leigh RLFC were turned down.

Textile workers were given a bonus of an extra two days holiday, but fines on overdue books at the library doubled from 1p to 2p.

It's A Knockout personality Stuart Hall was filming at Ken Rothwell's Manchester Road Home -- papering the ceiling as part of his feature on tackling other people's jobs for "Look North".

Houses cost in the region of £7,500 and 22-years-old Pauline Davies, of Longton Avenue, Lowton, won the Miss England title and a chance to compete in the Miss UK contest.

In the days of the curly perm and Zapata moustaches residents were campaigning to save the town's last cinema, The Classic, from being turned into a bingo hall.

Leigh's new Marshall Street College was completed and Tyldesley swimmer Duncan Cleworth was named in the GB squad for the Montreal Olympics.

I'm pleased the year I've always remembered as being great was recognised as the best 12 months for Britain on record -- though I'm sure many may beg to differ.