YOUNG children in Bolton could be allowed to go and see Spider-Man -- but only if enough parents complain about the film's 12 certificate.

Bolton's licensing chief Councillor Don Eastwood has pledged to watch the Hollywood blockbuster and consider reducing the classification to a PG if that is what people want.

But councillors in neighbouring Bury who viewed the film last night have voted unanimously to keep its 12 rating. The film was watched by the Licensing and Safety Panel at the Warner Brothers Cinema in Pilsworth, Bury.

Chairman of the panel, Councillor Pam Walker, said the film's contents fitted the criteria of the 12 certification. Young children can buy the toys, trade the stickers and wear the suits, but not see the new movie because the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) granted it a 12 certificate.

Councillors in Bury watched the superhero in action after parents complained.

But so far in Bolton, no parents have raised objections that the classification is not fair.

Councils have the power to over-rule the BBFC under the Cinema Act -- but members will only review a film if an official complaint is made.

Cllr Eastwood said: "As far as I am concerned Spider-Man has always been a children's thing and I don't know really know why they can't go and see it -- but I have not seen it myself. If complaints are made we would be perfectly happy to go and see it."

Several other councils have used their powers to relax the rules, knowing that many children are keen to see the comic book hero battle it out with arch-enemy the Green Goblin.

But Bolton's licensing officer Andrew Fisher says feeling in the town is not strong enough. The cinemas have also decided not to complain.