THE Mini Le Mans pedal-pushing extravaganza this weekend has been saved.

The event will go ahead thanks to the generosity of local firms.

The pedal car race which begins in Moss Bank Park on Saturday at noon had been under threat because a major sponsor pulled out just weeks before the event.

Although the organisers, Bolton Round Table, vowed it would still go on, they were struggling for cash to support the event.

But after the BEN reported their plight, town centre company CFM which provides computer services for Bolton Council has donated £1,000.

The firm is a subsidiary of computer giant ICL.

Mr Barney Wharton-Jones, event chairman, said: "We are very grateful for CFM's support."

Mr David Miskimin, client development manager for CFM, said: "It is part of our policy to support local community projects, particularly as we are a major supplier to the local authority.

"When we read about the Round Table Weekend, we felt it was an excellent example of a novel local event, aimed at young people."

Since the BEN reported the problems with funding, a host of other local companies have also come forward to sponsor the event.

They include Speedy Plant Hire who are providing the crowd barriers and McDonalds on Blackburn Road who are giving free breakfasts.

Other supporters include Kippax Beaumont Lewis solicitors, Cooper Lancaster Brewers chartered accountants, Acdo Ltd and George Cox and Sons.

The event also includes a wide range of fun activities, including clowns, stalls and side shows.

Bolton's out of schools clubs will also be at the park taking part in a record-breaking attempt to build the longest paper clip chain.

The pedal car event will run for 24 hours from 12 pm Saturday lunchtime and the paper clip challenge from 1pm until the same time on Sunday.

There will be family fun events on from 10am on both Saturday and Sunday.

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