BOLTON is to cement a lasting friendship with New Zealand as it plays host to the Kiwis during the Commonwealth Games.

The Queen's New Zealand representative, Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright, will visit the town on Monday, April 15, when the formal "adoption" takes place.

Most British towns and cities are hosting a country for the big event.

The two were paired thanks to Bolton Council's Breightmet Arts Project, which has links with schools in Auckland.

Bolton will also host three cycling events during the Games which run from July 25 to August 4.

Dame Silvia will meet the Mayor, Cllr Kevan Helsby, and Mayoress, Mrs Alice Kilcoyne, and attend a balloon launch in Victoria Square with 50 children from Highfield Primary School, Farnworth. She will then tour Bolton Arena. The visit to Bolton is at the request of Dame Silvia who said she wanted to see the town.

Cllr Howarth is delighted to be able to forge links with New Zealand. He said: "It's a coincidence but both Wigan and Bolton have adopted countries from 'down under' with Wigan teaming up with Australia.

"It's a great chance to exchange ideas and learn about other people's cultures and customs and to promote Bolton in New Zealand at the very highest level."