VISITORS flocked to the famous Peel Tower on Sunday for a vintage celebration of the town’s most famous son.

Hundreds joined officers from Ramsbottom’s Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) on Holcombe Hill to mark 180 years of the police force.

Among the attractions was the special opening of the tower, which is usually closed to the public.

Beth Wilburn, from the Greater Manchester Police Museum, demonstrated old-fashioned policing equipment, including an original lead-filled truncheon and a ‘Bull’s-Eye’ lantern from the Victorian era, while some officers dressed in traditional Peelers’ uniform.

There was modern policing equipment on show, such as quad bikes and the mounted unit.

The British Police Service was founded by Bury-born Sir Robert Peel when he was Home Secretary in 1829.

Inspector Bryn Williams, of the Ramsbottom NPT, said: “It was great to see so may people turn up to an event designed to commemorate the enormous impact that one of Bury’s most famous sons had on the history and development of this country.

“The festival also succeeded in celebrating the role of today’s modern police force, particularly Neighbourhood Policing, and local officers were very busy answering questions.”