Visit Bolton

Born David Bramwell in Bolton in September 1950, Dave spent his earlier years working at The Royal Bolton Hospital. Dave juggled this job whilst pursuing comedy, and during this time scripted and performed in a number of amateur pantomimes with a group of other humorous Boltonian health workers, named the Bolton Health Performers. From there, he went on to become a regular on the northern club circuit and it was through the friendship forged with fellow Boltonian, Peter Kay that the pair went on to write and star in several hit comedy series filmed here in Bolton, notably Phoenix Nights. Dave has since gone on to star on numerous TV shows including Channel 4’s "8 out of 10 Cats" and has received widespread acclaim for his stand-up tours, crediting his comedy success to the grounded upbringing he had here in Bolton.

Sara (most affectionately known as Coxy) was born in Bolton in 1974 as Michelle Sara Cox, growing up in Little Lever. After leaving Canon Slade School, she pursued a career in modelling and later worked on various TV shows before joining Radio 1 in September 1999. On her show, she is a true ambassador of Bolton, being down-to-earth and friendly as well as keeping people amused with her cracking sense of humour. What’s more, Sara has an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Bolton under her belt for her contributions to broadcasting.

Paul was born in Farnworth in 1960 and later studied at Bolton Community College. Most famous for his culinary expertise, owning a total of 11 restaurants in and around the North West, an outside catering arm and cooking school, Paul came back to his Bolton roots to open the Olive Press restaurant (link to Eating Out section) in October 2005. The proud owner of two Michelin Stars, Paul has revolutionised the North with a new style of cooking, but that doesn’t stop him from returning to his hometown to offer support and expertise to the students of Bolton Community College.