OLYMPIC heroes are being invited to a civic reception at Bolton Town Hall.

The Mayor, Cllr Prentice Howarth, wants to meet those competing in next month's Games in Athens to wish them luck.

And past Olympic stars are also invited to attend the event.

Bolton boxer Amir Khan, aged 17, has already agreed to attend the reception on July 26. The young fighter, who is currently training in Cyprus, is Britain's only boxing competitor in the Games.

His father Shah, who has promised to accompany Amir to the Town Hall, said: "He is really looking forward to it. It's a big honour to be invited to an event like this.

"Even though Amir's only young, he's coping with all the pressure and attention that's inevitably being placed on him. He just needs to focus on the job in hand now."

Amir is the country's youngest Olympic boxer since 1976.

Heaton athlete Chris Mulvaney is still hoping to qualify for the Olympics in the 1500 metres.

The Mayor said: "Bolton is a hub of sporting excellence and we are delighted to recognise the achievements of our athletes." Bolton Council wants more Olympians --current or former Olympic or Paralympic competitors --to contact them to make it an event to remember.

Former weightlifter Jim Halliday, the Kearsley strongman won a bronze medal at the 1948 Olympics, has already been invited.

Other past Bolton Olympians include Tyldesley canoeist Paul Ratcliffe who picked up a silver medal at the 2000 Games in Sydney. He used to train three times a week in the River Croal with the Bolton Canoe Club.

Swimmer Anthony Howard appeared at the same Olympics, as did badminton ace Chris Hunt who competed in both the men's doubles and mixed doubles events.

Any Olympians who would like to go along to the celebration are asked to contact Anne Woolley on 01204 334061.