T

he local is fast becoming the new 'terrace' for thousands of sports fans.

And this passion for live action and a pint is set to reach a new peak this summer when England kick off in the World Cup.

Fuelled by wrangles over the tiny allocation of tickets for the huge football festival in France, Bolton's pubs are set to cash in on World Cup Fever.

Increasing numbers of local pubs have been installing giant screens or signing up for deals to hire them during June and July.

Landlords around the town are hoping to cash in on the patriotic spirit last displayed two years ago when England played in the Euro 96 tournament.

Some, including the Railway Hotel on Chapeltown Road, Bromley Cross, are already displaying giant banners urging customer to watch the World Cup in there.

Many others have installed satellite TV to keep the mood of the terraces going all year round in Bolton's bars.

The Bass Taverns chain is gearing up all its locals, including the Grey Mare in Harwood, for what it has dubbed "one of the most exciting sporting years in recent memory."

Grey Mare manager Alison McKay said: "The number of major sporting events shown exclusively on satellite means the local pub is the only way many fans can get close to the action.

"But the popularity of our sports coverage indicates my customers are choosing to watch major events from the pub even if they are on terrestrial TV.

"You only have to be here on matchdays to experience the atmosphere which fans find difficult to recreate at home."

Bass Taverns director of communications Bob Cartwright said: "Pubs now offer almost everything which once attracted fans to the terraces - excitement, camaraderie and a close up view of all the action."

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