THE next generation of Bolton's Olympic hopefuls are to get free access to leisure centres in a bid to set them on the gold medal trail.

Young competitors who have represented their country during the past year will be given a Sporting Futures Talent ID card for free use of any sports centre or swimming pool run by Bolton Council.

The initiative is being launched in Victoria Square, Bolton, on Friday, exactly five years before the opening ceremony of the 2012 games in London, by which time the council hopes youngsters will be ready to follow in the footsteps of boxing silver medallist Amir Khan.

Cllr John Byrne, executive member for young people and sport, said: "I would like to see all young people with a chance of making it in their sport take advantage of this.

"It would be a real feather in Bolton's cap to have people from the town competing at the 2012 Olympics, but this initiative is not just about the London games. We are hoping to help develop talent for generations to come, in all areas of sport."

Cllr Byrne also encouraged ordinary people to get fitter by regularly using the leisure centres.

Earlier this month, the council announced under-16s and over-65s would get free use of swimming pools, while pensioners also get free use of leisure centres. To qualify for the Talent ID scheme, applicants must have supporting letters from their local club and national governing body.

Lancashire Raptors ice hockey player Greg Ruxton, aged 19, of Alderbank, Horwich, has applied for a card to use at Horwich Leisure Centre.

He said: "Going to the gym will help my general fitness and give me the extra edge I need to compete. The extra work could help me make that step up to come into contention for the national team."

Boltonians will be urged to sign up to an "Olympic Pledge" at Friday's event, which runs from 11am to 4pm, in a bid to make the town a sportier, healthier and more active place to live.

The event will also include gymnastics and trampolining displays, competitions, and details of job opportunities in sport and leisure.

For application forms for the Sporting Futures Talent ID Card, call Graham Marshall on 01204 334109.