UNIQUE pieces of Commonwealth Games memorabilia -- which adorned lampposts throughout Bolton -- are being sold off to raise money for charity by Bolton's mayor, Cllr John Walsh.

All money raised will go to the Mayor's Charity Appeal for the Coronary Care Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Cllr Walsh said the auction would give people a unique opportunity to obtain one of a very limited number of Games' publicity banners which were on display in the borough before and during the Games.

Cllr Walsh said: "These banners were seen by millions of people around the world when the cycling and badminton events were broadcast from Bolton during the Games.

"There will be nothing quite like this in Bolton again, so the rarity and nostalgia value of the banners is immense."

He continued: "We are expecting a huge amount of interest in this auction, not only from individuals, but also from businesses, organisations and sports fans."

The banners will be auctioned during the Mayor's Coffee Morning and Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 30, in the Festival Hall at Bolton Town Hall. The Mayor will also accept sealed bids before that date from people who are unable to attend the event. These should be sent to the Mayor's Office, Town Hall, Bolton BL1 1RU in an envelope marked "Auction".

The distinctive purple banners are roughly 6ft by 2ft and there are separate designs for the badminton and cycling events. Around 25 of them are available for auction.

Cllr Walsh added: "The best chance of getting your hands on one of these banners is to come along and bid in person. So put the date in your diary now and you could walk away from the auction with a small piece of Bolton's history."