BOLTON companies are being offered key sponsorship opportunities in connection with next year's Commonwealth Games.

Badminton, mountain biking, cycling road races and time trials will be staged in Bolton and Rivington as part of Manchester 2002.

Bolton Council wants to make sure that all sectors of the local business community have a chance to be part of the "Games Experience".

The town plans to start coverage and promotion of the Games on March 11 (Commonwealth Day) and carry on right through to August 10, after the Games finish.

It will include literature, advertising, outdoor media, uniforms, on-line publicity, flags, banners and themed events.

The Games, which will be held between July 25 and August 4, will feature more than 4,000 athletes from 72 nations and will be watched on TV by a quarter of the world's population.

More than 250,000 visitors are expected to visit Bolton during the Games, which will be covered by up to 6,000 journalists.

Bolton Council is organising a sponsorship evening for local companies who are interested in this unique opportunity to promote themselves.

The event, which will be at Bolton Arena, Middlebrook, on Thursday, is to be sponsored by Asda.

People interested in the limited places available are asked to contact Nicola Brown on 01204 334072 or Ged Kelly on 01204 334156.

The Council and its partners are keen to see Bolton's activities supported by local firms wherever possible.

A spokesman said: "Following negotiations with Manchester 2002 Ltd, it has been agreed that all commercial involvement will be offered to Bolton's business community first."

The design identity for Bolton is based around the logo and strapline "See It Live in Bolton."

The basic colour scheme is purple and yellow, embracing the 2002 Commonwealth Games "Spirit of Friendship" logo and a specific Bolton logo which has been designed for use by all groups across the community.

Opportunities awaiting appropriate sponsors include a strategic media campaign, along with unique positioning and rights of association, subject to agreement.

Bolton aims to cover associated costs, ensuring that sponsorship deals are even more attractive and cost-effective.

The spokesman said: "If you are planning any events or activities for next year for the Commonwealth Games, the Queen's Golden Jubilee (which takes place over the weekend of June 3 and 4) or relating to your company's achievements, there is an opportunity to theme up your event.

"So please let us know and benefit from the publicity."