BOLTON welcomed athletes from New Zealand to the Games at a reception on Wednesday.

The town has adopted the country's national team as part of a scheme to give athletes from all around the world a warm welcome -- and encourage them to visit areas outside Manchester.

Cllr John Walsh, the Mayor of Bolton's, presented Dave Currie, Chef de Mission for the New Zealand Team, with a glass bowl and welcome packs about Bolton for every team member at the reception at the Manchester War Museum.

Cllr Walsh said: "We picked New Zealand because a school in Breightmet already had links with a school there. The invitation is there for them to come to Bolton, we want to show them around the Town Hall and make them really welcome."

Mr Currie presented Cllr Walsh with a photograph from New Zealand in return.He said: "We are very honoured by the support that Bolton is giving the team, it makes us feel very welcome and it is good to know we will be welcome in Bolton."

Gymnast Daniel Good, aged 18, from Auckland, said he thought the scheme was a good idea.

He added: "I hadn't heard of Bolton but it's a really nice thing. It's nice that you had a choice and picked us. I think you made a good choice -- we hope to do well in the Games."

Among guests at the reception was Liz Dawn, alias Vera in Coronation Street, who was invited after meeting some of the athletes on a previous visit here.

The TV star said: "They came backstage and chatted to me and Bill - they're very warm people just like in Lancashire where I come from. I think it's lovely that Bolton has adopted the team - we should make them feel welcome."