A CHALLENGE has been laid down for Horwich and Bolton face off in a football match to mark the opening of a new 3G pitch.

The facility in Old Station Park, Horwich, has been under construction since late last year and aims to increase the town's football provision.

With the pitch nearing completion, members of the Horwich community have proposed the idea of having an 11-a-side match with one team from the town and one from Bolton.

Cllr Steven Chadwick, Lever Park ward representative on Horwich Town Council, said it would be a good way to celebrate the opening of the new pitch and raise money for charity.

He said: "The 3G pitch looks fantastic. It is a big improvement on what was there before.

"I just saw some of the photos and we just thought it would be good to do something. It was just a spur of the moment idea to have a game.

"I think it would be a good idea to do something positive. I have been trying to fight for new football facilities for five or six years.

"The 3G pitch is essential for the football teams so that they can continue to play in Horwich."

The challenge of a Horwich XI versus a Bolton XI was made on Twitter by the Horwich First Community Group, which is waiting to see if Bolton Council would consider the idea.

A spokesman from the authority said the pitch is nearing completion and an opening date would be announced in the near future.

The 3G pitch project was announced by the authority as part of £1.5million of capital funding, which Bolton Council agreed in February 2016.