BOLTON will become a central battleground for the EU referendum debate next week — with prominent politicians from both campaigns descending on the town.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage will be joined by Labour’s former sports minister Kate Hoey at an event at the Bolton Whites Hotel on Wednesday evening.

Both vocal anti-EU campaigners — it is also being suggested that the pair will head to Victoria Square earlier in the day on Wednesday in a further bid to boost support for the Leave campaign.

Prior to this, on Monday, the Labour in for Britain battle bus will also park up in the Town Hall Square — carrying shadow business secretary Angela Eagle and Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi.

The two Labour MPs are fighting for Britain to remain in the European Union in the crucial vote next month and will be answering questions and providing information on why they believe the UK should vote In from 3pm on Monday.

Mr Farage’s visit will represent the second time he has been in Bolton in a matter of months and UKIP Bolton Chair Cllr Paul Richardson — who is organising the event — said having Labour members joining him is a big plus.

He said: “Having both Nigel and Kate in Bolton will hopefully show people that this is a genuinely cross-party campaign and hopefully natural Labour voters will understand that there are those in the party who are as passionate about a Brexit as those in UKIP and the Tories.”

He added: “Nigel wanted to come back to Bolton because he has seen our success in recent local elections and recognises the importance of the north west region in this debate.”

Ms Qureshi — who has organised the Labour in for Britain visit — said she and Ms Eagle will aim to put some minds at rest.

She said: “I am delighted that our battle bus is coming to Bolton with Angle Eagle who is a great politician that I have worked with for some time.

“We want to raise awareness and promote some enthusiasm for the idea of staying in the EU.

“We hope people will bring the concerns and issues they may have about our membership and hopefully we can provide answers.”

The Labour in for Britain will be in Victoria Square on Monday from 3pm.

The UKIP event with Mr Farage and Ms Hoey at the Whites Hotel will begin at 7.30pm, with doors opening from 6.30pm — free tickets can be obtained at ukip.org/bolton.

Details about Mr Farage’s appearance in the town centre are yet to be confirmed.

The EU referendum will take place on June 23.