A POPULAR Bolton town centre attraction which has entertained youngsters for more than a decade is to close its doors for the last time.

Laser Quest, in Bradshawgate, will shut down on Sunday to make way for new apartments.

The attraction, which is on the site of the old ABC cinema, involves teams of people who try to "shoot" opponents with laser guns inside a darkened play area.

The company was formed by former Bolton School pupils Nick Brunt and Simon James and there are now more than 200 Laser Quest centres across the globe. Its overseas operations were bought out by a Canadian based firm in the mid 1990s.

The Bolton town centre site, which opened in 1992, was billed as the showcase for the company.

Head office manager for the company, Michelle Ashton, said the closure would mark "the end of an era".

She added: "So many people have played in Bolton and we have seen generation after generation come through the doors.

"We even have people who played as members when we opened bringing in their own children 12 years later.

"It is very sad to see the service leave Bolton, as it is as popular as ever, and it is another example of a leisure pastime being lost in the town.

"But we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has visited us over the years."

But Mrs Ashton said that the firm was still looking to relocate in the town in the future.

She added: "We have been looking for new premises for about a year, but cannot find anywhere big enough.

"We have looked at the Reebok Stadium, but would ideally like to be in the town centre. I hope we can once again have a base in the town in the coming years."

The building, which is owned by Irwell Valley Housing Association, is set to be demolished to make way for the new apartments.

As a gesture of goodwill, Laser Quest is running a two games-for-one offer to say thank you to their loyal customers over the years.

The offer will run until Sunday February 1st subject to availability, and customers do not need a voucher or to book in advance.

It will not be operating on Saturday January 31, as the arena is already fully booked.