IMAGES of the Commonwealth Games stadium will be beamed across the world during next year's spectacular 10-day event.

It is said to be the most advanced stadium in the country, with each one of the 38,000 spectators able to gain unrestricted views of the action.

But the task of keeping them all dry has been handed to a Bolton firm.

Computerised Machined Components (CMC) is currently cutting the transparent plastic sheets which will be fitted into the sweeping roof of the new stadium.

In all, the company will make 1,700 panels in a project netting the firm £500,000.

The smallest will measure around 1.5 metres by 0.65 metres, the largest 2.5 metres by 0.65 metres.

And the firm's owner, Sandy Manning, hopes it will lead to further hi-profile projects.

The 56-year-old said: "It's quite an honour to be given this contract and it is not something we got because we are local.

"There were bids from across the world but we were deemed to be the best."

The company, based at Halliwell Mill, in Halliwell Road, has been in Bolton for 26 years.

It cuts the plastic sheets on two machines worth £250,000 each -- an identical method used by the company when it worked on Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium, the JJB Stadium in Wigan and Preston North End's ground.

The transparent plastic panels allow light to shine on to the pitch.

Mr Manning said: "It is a lucrative business and since the Olympics in Sydney everyone wants to compete to be involved with big sports events. We are proud to play a part."

Commonwealth Games sponsorship call, see Business on page 29.