THE first Commonwealth Games volunteers from Bolton have been put through their paces as the countdown begins for next year's sports spectacle.

The group of eight have completed the 30-hour pre-volunteer course to enable them to develop skills and confidence to become involved in roles at the Manchester 2002 Games.

Volunteers visited the Manchester Velodrome which will be hosting the track cycle event.

The course offers an opportunity to undertake accredited training as well as gaining work experience through volunteering for a major international event.

The course, called Event Volunteering or Get Started In Sports Development, explores customer care, first aid, organising an event and health and safety. It leads to an open college certificate - level 1.

It also supports individuals who are facing difficulties entering the job market and enables them to develop the skills and experience to become a games volunteer.

A total of 15,000 volunteers are needed to work in a variety of roles at the games, dealing with spectators, VIPs, media and athletes, as well as behind-the-scenes roles.

Cllr John Byrne, Bolton Council executive member for Culture, said: "Being a volunteer at the Commonwealth Games will be a once in a lifetime experience and everyone who takes part will thoroughly enjoy it as well as learning valuable life skills.

"I'd like to congratulate the first eight from Bolton who have completed the course and hopefully we'll see them at one of the four events being staged here."

For further information about becoming a Commonwealth Games volunteer contact Sarah Swettenham on 07866 441343.