BOLTON Wanderers have bailed out their financially challenged neighbours at Bury FC by agreeing to play their reserve team fixtures at Gigg Lane.

Manchester United left Shakers with a £35,000 hole in their already water tight budget when they withdrew their second string to play at Altrincham, citing the poor quality of the pitch last season.

Ironically, after intensive work from the Bury groundstaff, United's Premiership rivals will now inherit an immaculate playing surface for the forthcoming campaign.

But Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside said it was neighbourly spirit which prompted the move from the Reebok Stadium.

"We wanted to help Bury out because we have a good relationship with them and wanted to maintain that," he said.

"It also helps our pitch at the Reebok because it means we aren't giving it a lot of hammer.

"It would not be fair to Bury to say how much we are paying but it is worth a bit to them."

Shakers have received another boost with news that First Division hotshots Burnley have agreed to entertain Andy Preece's charges in a pre-season friendly.

Stan Ternent's outfit will once again be among the leading pack of hopefuls chasing a place in the Premiership next season and are certain to provide a stiff test of Preece's fledgling squad.

The match kicks-off at Turf Moor on Saturday, August 3 at 3pm. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 concessions.

Bury's pre-season campaign also includes fixtures at Chorley, July 20, Chester, July 24 and Radcliffe Borough, July 27, with the home tie against Manchester City the highlight on July 31.