Well done Wigan Athletic for clinching a fourth season of premiership football at the JJB. It's a fantastic achievement – and one that has put Wigan on the international map.
English Premier League games are broadcast to over 600 million homes in 202 countries worldwide. When the Latics took on Manchester United on the final thrilling day of the season, the pictures were being watched by an estimated one billion people, most of whom would otherwise never have heard the name of Wigan.
Local pride apart, the value of having a premiership team in terms of tourism, the economy and the borough's image is incalculable. So congratulations to Steve Bruce, the players, Dave Whelan and everyone at the club – and long may it continue.
Adding a new job or training to your weekly shopping list is now a reality thanks to the opening of the pioneering ‘skills shop’ in Leigh town centre.
Major developments like the Grand Arcade, Leigh Sports Village and Bickershaw change the familiar landscape of our towns. But just as importantly, they create new investment and jobs.
The skills shops we set up to ensure local people got the benefit from the retail jobs on offer when the Grand Arcade opened in Wigan was so successful that it meant we won £250,000 to set up something similar in Leigh.
Tackling long term unemployment and low skills is a priority for the council and its partners. We want to help people reach their full potential and make sure they don’t miss out on the many opportunities along the way.
It's a fair bet that the council pioneers who first hit on the idea of a jazz festival in Wigan nearly a quarter of a century ago had no idea how big it would become.
While many of the country’s larger towns have tried and failed with their festivals, ours continues to grow after 23 years.
But you don't have to be a jazz buff to enjoy the Wigan International Jazz Festival. The beauty of this annual summer treat is that it really does offer something for everyone.
From classic singers like headliner Elkie Brooks, to timeless big bands and up and coming stars, it's an event that has put Wigan on the musical map like no other.
All praise, then, to the organisers and the many unpaid enthusiasts who ensure that year in, year out, our borough continues to hit the high notes.
