BOLTON Wanderers may be playing their last fixture of the current season today but mascot Lofty is getting in some match practice for next month.

The famous furry lion will be doing his best for his team and his town at the Reebok on Sunday, June 9 when a Mayor's Charity event called Mascot Mania will bring dozens of mascots together from all over the country in a bid to establish a world record -- for most mascots in one place. They will also be playing a football match and joining in the fun -- which includes a funfair and schools' five-a-side tournament. First Bus is also staging a heat of its Best Bus Driver in the North-west competition.

In the meantime, Lofty and friends -- including the Christie Hospital bears, Kit from the Commonwealth Games and Dino the Dinosaur from Bolton Metro -- are getting in a bit of early practice on Victoria Square.