THE Junior Whites waved goodbye to the winter chill and held a paradise Beach Party at the Reebok Stadium.

Wearing shorts and sunglasses, the youngsters did limbo dancing and played with a beach ball among inflatable palm trees on Monday night.

And Wanderers players Kevin Davies and Nicky Hunt were there to join the fun and games at the stadium's Premier Suite.

John Astley, junior programmes manager, said: "It was a really great night and an excellent way for the Junior Whites to meet the players and get to the know them.

"Meeting the players is part of our plan to increase the number of families watching the games and our Junior Whites membership.

"These parties are proving a great success and now we have 10,500 Junior Whites members from all over the country."

The beach party saw the youngsters playing beach volleyball and kick-ups with an oversized beach ball. More than 100 members turned up for the event and a youngster called Burnden - named after the old Wanderers stadium - won the chance to be the mascot at the Fulham game on February 26.

Wanderers full back Nicky Hunt, a former Junior Whites member, said: "It's great to see that so many Bolton youngsters are enthusiastic and involved in the club.

"The Junior Whites meetings are a good way for the players to step off the pitch and meet the young fans and answer any questions they have.

"The beach party was a great idea and everyone had a really enjoyable time."

It is free for youngsters up to the age of 16 to join the Junior Whites and the monthly parties cost £3 to attend. The Junior Whites also hold weekly football sessions, quiz nights and organised trips.

The next party will be held on Tuesday, February 28.

l For further information about the Junior Whites, ring their hotline on 01204 673770.