WINTER is coming — and experts were out in full force yesterday to help Bolton families get ready for extreme weather.

Thousands of people flocked to Victoria Square for the third Getting Ready for Winter event to pick up free tips from the emergency services on car, home and personal safety.

Bolton Council, the Environment Agency, utility companies and transport agencies also came together to offer advice, along with voluntary organisations including the British Red Cross, Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and the Salvation Army.

Children had the chance to name a big yellow gritter, and sit in a small electric fire engine.

Mum-of-two Emma Morris, from Walkden, said: "I think it's a really good event and great for the kids to see the fire engines up close. My son is obsessed with them but only sees them when they whizz past. He had a go in the electric engine twice he loved it so much."

Cllr Nick Peel, executive member for the environment at Bolton Council, said: "It's about raising awareness about all the issues that might affect you during winter. It' not just about having a torch in the boot of your car, it's about being prepared for all eventualities."