SPORTING groups across the borough are to be given a few more days to name the heroes they want to appear on the borough's towering tribute to sport.

The deadline for nominations for teams and organisations to appear on the 85ft Spirit of Sport sculpture which will go up outside the Reebok Stadium on De Havilland Way, Horwich, passes on Friday but organisers say they will allow a little more time to allow groups to respond.

Around 400 clubs, teams and schools across the borough have been given the opportunity to name the competitors they feel have made the biggest contribution to sport in the borough. If they feel there are too many to decide between, they are being encouraged to pick names from a hat to make sure their group is represented.

The trophy-shaped sculpture will feature nearly 1,000 photo etchings on its outer surface of people who have made a contribution to sport in Bolton.

The deadline for members of the public to have their say by nominating sportsmen and women through the Bolton Evening News People's Choice has now passed. But groups struggling to meet the council's deadline for clubs and groups should call Nicky Robinson at Bolton Council on 01204 336261 as soon as possible.