Here we look back on some of the brighter news in the borough starting in January through to December.
You can read the full stories using the search tool on the WiganToday home page.
5. MAY - Famous screen actor set to visit Wigan store
Famous actor David ‘Dai’ Bradley who played Billy Casper in the film, Kes, is set to make a guest appearance in Wigan. The former child star is set to visit Grant’s Bulldog Forge on Darlington Street East on a date yet to be fixed next month. There, he will chat to customers and local residents with the chance for someone to win a place at the breakfast table with him in the shop’s cafe. Photo: Holly Pritchard
6. JUNE - Olympic legend Usain Bolt visits restaurant in Wigan borough
One of the world’s most famous athletes has been spotted dining at a restaurant in Wigan borough. Retired Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt paid a visit to La Casa restaurant and bar in Astley. A post on the firm’s Facebook page said: “Guest of the week Usain Bolt. Thank you for visiting us, it was a pleasure to serve you here at La Casa.” Photo: Gaynor Clarke
7. JULY - Wigan starlet Adnan wins Freddie Flintoff's heart - and a Lancashire spot!
A Wigan Cricket Club starlet has bowled over Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff to become a primetime television star - and win a place in the Lancashire junior set-up. Sixteen-year-old Adnan Miekhal, originally from Afghanistan, caught the eye of Flintoff during filming for his 'Field of Dreams' programme on the BBC. In it, the Lancashire and England legend was charged with creating a cricket team from scratch with reluctant teenagers from his hometown of Preston. Photo: Paul Kendrick
8. AUGUST - England football star Ella Toone visits pub and bakery on her return to Wigan borough
England football hero Ella Toone has returned home to the borough – and has already paid a visit to the pub and a bakery! The Union Arms in Tyldesley shared a photograph on Facebook on Monday evening, which was simply captioned: “THE CHAMPS BACK”. It showed Ella wearing the Euro 2022 medal she collected on Sunday after scoring a goal in England’s 2-1 victory over Germany. Photo: Gaynor Clarke