A FAMILY weekend is being held to launch the Bolton Arena as a star attraction on the North-west leisure circuit.

After 18 months, the dream of a first class state-of-the-art sports and leisure complex for everyone is a reality.

Next week, the Arena, on the edge of the Middlebrook Leisure and Retail complex at Horwich, will be dressed in its Sunday best as it rolls out the red carpet to welcome everyone to the official launch. Unofficially, the world-class facilities have been in use since Easter but for two days on July 14 and 15, the Arena experience will be free to all.

The development includes top facilities for tennis, athletics, rugby, football and lacrosse plus fitness equipment and a high-quality catering suite.

The imposing futuristic-looking building is home to the Lawn Tennis Association's North West Regional Tennis Centre, where Wimbledon players Barry Cowan -- who beat champion Pete Sampras --Arvind Parmar and Martin Lee are based.

It also boasts this country's first Sports Education Theatre which will allow sportsmen and women to test and compare their performance by video link against American and Australian sports stars.

And next summer, the Arena will win its world sporting spurs when it plays host to the the Commonwealth Games badminton programme when hundreds of competitors from across the world will be battling to win honours for their country.

Bolton Council Deputy Leader Cllr Guy Harkin said: "The development is a tremendous boost for Bolton but it stretches far wider than the borough and is of regional sporting significance.

"On July 14 and 15 we will be opening the doors on a new era for regional sport. The beauty of Bolton Arena is that it is a facility for use by all on a pay and play basis and the level and quality of equipment available is usually only found in top private membership clubs. This is truly a sport for all development," he added.