BOLTON Arena is officially launching its new five-a-side pitches on Saturday.

The open weekend at the Middlebrook centre will offer local schools the opportunity to try out the Football Fives facility with various coaching sessions and small games.

Mayor of Bolton Cllr Prentice Howarth will officially open the four synthetic Field Tech pitches at 1pm on Saturday.

The Football Fives Challenge Cup Knockout Tournament will take place between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday, with 16 teams competing to win the first of what is hoped to become an annual event.

An open-age ladies five-a-side tournament will also take place at the same time.

Both tournaments are free to enter on a first come, first served basis. For details contact the arena on 01204 488100.

The pitches will be available for free use by the public from 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.