THE Duke of Edinburgh visited Bolton Arena on the second day of the Commonwealth Games writes David Crookes

Prince Philip joked with officials, athletes and volunteers during a 40-minute tour of the state-of-the-art venue which is staging the badminton events.

He arrived at 10.25am and was met by Bolton Mayor, Councillor John Walsh and his wife Christine. The Duke also spoke to MP Ruth Kelly and Deputy Chief Constable David McCrone.

Prince Philip walked through the foyer, past a small crowd of sport fans which included children and people in wheelchairs.

Volunteer Betty Hughes from Westhoughton said the Duke was: "Charming and lovely". She met him when he walked over to the Information Desk.

The 62-year-old said: "He asked me what my job was and what sport was being played at the Arena. I told him we had all the answers because we were on the Information Desk." She added: "I did a little bip when he came over, he had a twinkle in his eye."

Prince Philip spent time watching part of one of the games with Cllr Walsh before leaving at 11am to travel to Heaton Park, Prestwich, for the Games Bowls competition.