THE Mayor of Bolton is organising a charity fundraising walk around the Reebok Stadium — which has won the backing of boxer Amir Khan.

Cllr Anthony Connell launched the Mayor’s Mile project outside Bolton Town Hall yesterday — and was joined by the 22-year-old star fighter, who is back home in Bolton from his training camp in Los Angeles.

Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion added his support, as did members of the armed forces, emergency services and The Bolton News.

Cllr Connell said: “The idea is to get as many people as possible walking a mile for charity on March 29.

“I know marathons can be a bit much for some people but I want everyone to be included, so it will be a walk around the outside of the stadium instead.

“A mile is two-and-a-half laps, so I’m sure it’s something most people can do. It will raise money for my nominated charities and also give organisations and charities a chance to raise money for themselves.”

Cllr Connell’s charities for his year in office are the Bolton Sea Cadets, Bolton Samaritans and Derian House children’s hospice.

Boxer Amir said he was delighted to support the event and said his own community project, the Gloves Community Centre in Halliwell, would be one of the organisations to benefit.

He added: “It’s brilliant that the Mayor is doing something like this. It will be really good fun and what a place — the Reebok Stadium.

“I’ll be doing my best to be there and will be putting a minibus on for the kids at the centre to take part. We’ve got 300 kids there. It it’s not a proft-making business, it’s for the community, so the walk will raise money to help run it too.”

Simon Marland, Bolton Wanderers’ club secretary, said: “We’re more than happy to support this walk, by providing the facilities and also encouraging people to take part.”

The armed forces and emergency services are backing the plan and may hold demonstrations to entertain the crowds on the day.Bolton Chief Supt Dave Lea said: “It’s a great idea for the whole community and we will fully support it. My officers always leap at the chance to do this kind of thing.”

Ian Bailey, deputy borough commander for Greater Manchester Fire Service, said: “The Mayor has been extremely supportive of our firefighters’ charity so I’m sure there will be a great support for him.”

Ian Lockhart from the North West Air Ambulance and Olivia Brown from the North-west Regional Ambulance Service said their organisations would take part.

nick.lakeman@theboltonnews.co.uk