JUMBO CONTEST: An eight-man tug-of-war team took on a two-and-a half ton elephant in one of the most bizarre contests Radcliffe had seen for many a year.

Pegasus, the local team, challenged one of the elephants performing in the Circus Hoffman at Red Bank Field. Tonto, the Indian elephant, took the strain, forcing Pegasus to dig in their heels, and then relaxed to send the team tumbling for a technical knock-out.

Elephant trainer Geoff Hoffman explained: "If Tonto were a working elephant he would have literally walked away with the contest. But he simply responded to the pull and moved towards the team." SERVICE SHAKE-UP: Part-time firemen at Ramsbottom Fire Station were being replaced by full-time officers in a massive shake-up of Greater Manchester Fire Service.

It was felt by the County Fire Officer that volunteers were not available when they were supposed to be "on call" and that they lacked training in the use of equipment.

TEA BREAK: Thieves who broke into a caravan used by contractors working on old people's accommodation in Waverley Place, Radcliffe, stole teabags, sugar, a kettle and a calor gas ring.

ENGINE TROUBLE: Four firemen were injured on the way to a fire when their engine collided with a lorry. The crash happened at the busy Rochdale Road and Bond Street junction. An eye-witness said two firemen were thrown into the road on impact.

Amazingly none of the officers or the lorry driver were seriously injured, but all received treatment at Bury General Hospital.

MARRY THE BOSS: Baron Wilson of Radcliffe planned to marry a Bury woman who was his secretary for 21 years. Lord Wilson of Ringley Road, former head of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, was to marry Miss Freda Mather of Standring Avenue, Bury, at Ainsworth Parish Church.