A YOUNG sports fan took his campaign to revamp some vandal-hit football courts to the top - by lobbying his MP.

Connor Foster was determined that something should be done about the state of the hard-surface courts at Egerton Park, Blackburn Road, Egerton.

Connor, aged 16, said the pitches are well-used and he is calling for cash to be spent on improving them.

His campaign has already gathered pace, following a meeting with Bolton North-east MP David Crausby and Police Community Support Officer Adam Squires, who works in the area.

Connor, who regularly plays football at the courts, said: "They have pot holes all over them, the surface is in poor condition and there is graffiti all around. They are in quite a mess.

"I contacted the council to improve the court. It would be beneficial to the whole area as there are schools nearby which play a lot of sport but don't have the facilities."

Mr Crausby and PCSO Squires met Connor, who outlined his case for improvements to be made.

Mr Crausby said: "The visit went really well. It was quite a progressive meeting.

"I now intend to pursue this matter with the council to see what funding is available.

"If funding is granted, the plan is to install some flood lighting, improve the court barriers and, if possible, provide a better surface to play on."

Connor has been working closely with PCSO Squires, who also believes the courts are in desperate need of a cash injection.

He said: "The park is currently in a very sad state and there are holes in the fence.

"However, the meeting was very promising and the need for funding was addressed."

Connor now hopes that money for the improvement work can be found through the Government's Every Child Matters grant scheme.