THE Mayor of Bolton released 125 balloons as the multi-million pound De Vere Whites Hotel was officially opened at the Reebok.

Cllr Alan Wilkinson let go of the balloons to symbolise the number of rooms in the development and De Vere's support for Bolton based charity Vision Aid.

The company has donated £250 to the charity which helps blind people.

The person who returns the tag from the ballon which travels the furthest will win a free stay in one of the company's hotels.

The De Vere Whites Hotel cost £12 million to build and although it opened four weeks ago, it was officially launched yesterday. It is the only fully integrated hotel stadium in the country. Only one other exists in Canada.

The Mayor, a Bolton Wanderer's supporter, said he was amazed with the facilities on offer.

He saidd: "We never had anything like this at Burnden Park.

"This is a tremendous asset for Bolton. It should prove to be a great boost for tourism."

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce and assistant Phil Brown were also present at the champagne reception to celebrate the new addition to the stadium.

Guests at the four star hotel will be able to eat in a luxurious dining room, with chandeliers, glass cabinets and expensive paintings on the wall, and then turn 180 degrees and watch the team playing through the large windows.

Paul Dermody, chief executive of the De Vere Group plc, said the opening weeks had been successful, but they wanted more and more guests to come in and sample the hotel.

Looking at the Bolton Evening News stand from the dining room, he said: "We want people out there to come and use the hotel, for weddings, functions or whatever. This is a unique hotel and it should be for everyone."

The development is a joint venture between De Vere and the parent holding company of Bolton Wanderers FC, Burnden Leisure.

It has conference and banqueting suites, a 180-seat brasserie, 60 seat restaurant and leisure club. Some penthouse suites have views of the pitch.