BOLTON will play host to more than 3,000 children when the Greater Manchester Youth Games are held in the borough over two days in June.

It will be the first time the Games have been held in Bolton -- and they will be back again next year.

Bolton has made a two-year commitment to the prestigious event.

The Games will involve children, aged between eight and 16, from all 10 council areas in the Greater Manchester county. They will take part in sports that will include rugby league, rugby union, tennis, athletics, basketball, girls football, cricket, hockey and netball.

The events will be held on June 14 and 15 at Bolton Arena, Horwich Leisure Centre and St Joseph's RC High School Sports College, Horwich.

And giving a helping hand at the Games this year will be Phoenix Nights TV star Patrick McGuinness who will be running Mr Motivator-style "boxercise" and aerobics classes for youngsters.

Patrick, who plays bouncer Paddy in the hit TV show which is set in Bolton, has helped out at the Games in the past. He used to compete in karate at national level. He is now trying to get in shape for the filming of the new series of Phoenix Nights.

"I think I've put on about two stones since the last series -- and the start of the new series is supposed to be just one day on from the last series," he said.

Civic leaders from across Greater Manchester, including the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Walsh, attended the official launch yesterday and they were entertained with dances performed by year nine and year ten pupils from St Joseph's. The Games are linked to arts, dance and cultural activities.

Cllr Walsh said the event was the largest of its kind. He said: "I know a great deal of pleasure is derived by those who take part."