SHOPPERS had an ‘utterly brilliant’ day out when Timmy Mallett celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Mill Gate with them.

Mill Gate Shopping Centre was opened by the Wacaday star in 1992 and on Saturday he returned to lead the party, telling shoppers: “It’s wonderful to be back.”

The TV personality, known for his catchphrase, ‘utterly brilliant’, was joined by Angela Wells and Nick Hardman, who were picked from the crowd as youngsters to play Mallett’s Mallet when it opened.

Staff at the town centre shopping mall used social media to get in contact and invite them back for a rematch.

Shoppers also enjoyed live music from The Rae Owens Jazz Quartet, who performed in different locations around Mill Gate throughout the day.

There was free face painting, cakes and balloons for youngsters and a pair of stilt-walking Chicks on Sticks.

Marie Gribben, manager at the centre, said: “It was wonderful to have Timmy Mallett back to Mill Gate again to celebrate its 25th birthday.

“Mill Gate has been at the heart of Bury town centre for 25 great years so it was fantastic to celebrate our birthday with so many of our shoppers.

“I would personally like to thank all of our retailers and our staff at Mill Gate for putting so much effort in to making it such a brilliant day.”

When it was finished in 1992 the Mill Gate cost £6 million. Staff combined the party with One Great Day — a charity day to raise money for MedEquip4Kids and Great Ormond Street Hospital. The amount raised on the day was £868.54, making the total £2,318.54.