IT may still be a year away, but Bolton's celebrations for the 2002 Commonwealth Games began in earnest when hundreds of people flocked to Victoria Square to watch the one-year launch party.

With the sun beaming and music from boy and girl tribute bands, many shoppers stayed for the whole afternoon.

The big bash was a precursor to the event next summer, and it was attended by three top sportsmen: Badminton player Chris Hunt, mountain biker Paul Holden and Olympic swimmer Anthony Howard. To loud applause, the trio

unveiled the Commonwealth Games countdown clock which will be passed around town centre businesses over the next year to promote the event.

A large banner was plastered on the front of the Town Hall where it will remain until tomorrow.

Council leader Bob Howarth said: "When Manchester announced it was to push for the Games we said we would like to join them.

"The event will be huge for the region and will attract investment and visitors. There is so much scope and we are determined to exploit it." The countdown began at 12.15pm with a speech by Mr Howarth, who was flanked by Cllr John Byrne, cabinet member for culture.

A number of groups, including the steel band Cherrie Pickers, Step tribute band Step-tacular and boy band impersonators Boy2One, provided entertainment alongside students from Bolton Music Service.

Badminton champion Chris Hunt, who is looking to buy a flat in Eagley Mills, said: "It's a great community project which everybody needs to get behind. We have some fantastic facilities in the town now including Bolton Arena. With training facilities like that, we deserve to play a part in the Games and I am looking forward to it."

Chris, aged 32, hinted he may make a comeback in the near future. "The love of the sport never goes away. I was a professional player for 14 years - it's a long time and there's always that possibility to come back."

More than a million spectators are expected at the Games - half of those in Bolton. Around 1.5 billion will watch the 72 competing nations on TV.

The party atmosphere brought out people's enthusiasm. Melanie Hardman, aged 24, from Breightmet, said: "I'm really looking forward to the event and I'm planning to go to a few of the events. These celebrations make it seem so much more real."