SOCCER star Ryan Giggs has splashed out on a £500,000 mansion - within shouting distance of Bolton Wanderers' new Reebok Stadium. The Manchester United ace, who is worth an estimated £3m, has moved into the secluded five-bedroom, red-bricked house on the Blackrod and Adlington border.

His new home, called "Edgewood," just off the A6 Blackrod by-pass, has considerable grounds and mature gardens and includes an indoor swimming pool, games room and self-contained bungalow.

There is also plenty of room for his high-powered cars including his BMW and Aston Martin.

The imposing 1930s property is surrounded by tall hedges and electronic gates to protect the star from prying eyes.

A neighbour said: "The place has been up for sale for some time.

"It's the most impressive house around - it's a big buzz that Ryan is coming here."

Ryan, 23, had previously been living in a £250,000 home in Worsley, opposite United team-mate David Beckham. Another United player, Gary Neville, plans to move to the Bolton area after purchasing a 34 acre plot to build his dream home.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.