BOLTON'S Commonwealth Games banners are to be auctioned for charity on Saturday.

The famous purple lamp-post banners -- symbols of Bolton's proud involvement in the summer's sporting extravaganza -- will go under the hammer during the Mayor's Coffee Morning and Christmas Fair which is open between 10am and 2pm in the Festival Hall at Bolton Town Hall.

The auction will take place at about 11am. Also going under the hammer are bright yellow "See It Live in Bolton" T-shirts in large junior sizes.

The Mayor, Cllr John Walsh, is donating the proceeds to his chosen charity, the Royal Bolton Hospital Coronary Care Appeal.

"The banners and T-shirts would make an ideal and most unusual Christmas present," said Cllr Walsh. "As only a limited number were produced, they have a rarity value."

For anyone who cannot make the event in person, there's still time to submit a sealed bid. These should be sent to the Mayor's Office, Town Hall, Bolton BL1 1RU in an envelope marked "Auction".