Kay Burley returns to her hometown of Wigan for a week of special coverage looking at the cost of living crisis.
Situated equidistant between Liverpool and Manchester, the old mining town has stood proudly on the banks of the River Douglas, and later the Leeds Liverpool canal, since at least the seventh century.
Lisa Nandy tells me that The Brick - Wigan's food bank, is handing out 'cold boxes' because some of those who rely on their kindness can't afford the electricity to cook produce. Wigan has a rich and varied history on the high street and has been home to some of the most well known brands - Marks and Spencer for starters.Michael Marks lived in the town while he established the store. Pendlebury's - the biggest department store in Wigan when I was a child was later taken over by Debenhams. Unfortunately, a less successful brand than M&S and the name has disappeared from the high street.
Nevertheless, there are green shoots sprouting. The Wigan Investment Group is aimed at developers who want to invest in the town - keen to work with developers and landowners. What might they have planned and how challenging could those opportunities be in a cost of living crisis?Away from the high street, Wigan is famous for its celebrities and sports stars.
But for how long will Wiganers be able to afford a ticket to the football game or an arena pass to sing along with Rick Astley?