SPORT chiefs are confident Bolton's contribution to the Commonwealth Games will be a winner after it was revealed the town has one of the region's highest number of volunteers.

A total of 852 people from the Bolton area have registered to help out at next year's sporting spectacular.

Games organisers say the number -- which equates to seven per cent of the 12,000 names put forward -- is one of the highest responses from areas outside central Manchester.

A spokesman told the BEN: "It's pretty impressive. Volunteers can make or break an event and the interest we have seen fills us with confidence."

Despite the high numbers, the organisers are still looking for volunteers, mainly those with specialist skills such as drivers and medics.

But time is running out for people to enrol as a training programme is set to start soon. More than 15,000 volunteers are needed.

Volunteers need to be aged 16 or over on December 31 2001. Each will be trained, leaving a legacy of skilled people in the region.

To enrol, call 0845 241 2002.