ON A glorious day Bolton RUFC opened the doors to all-comers, including stars from England and Sale Sharks, while their own future stars showed their skills and took to an inflatable "boot camp".

Avenue Street saw hundreds of players, young and old, and their friends and families enjoy a host of activities, while special guests came in the form of England legend Lewis Moody, an honorary board member at the club through its association with the NatWest Rugby Force campaign, who finished what he started by officially opening the club’s new storage and changing rooms.

Moody, who first visited to help dig the foundations for the new facility, cut the ribbon and took to the pitch alongside Sale Sharks forwards Bryn Evans and Curtis Langdon for coaching sessions for the Cherry and Whites’ juniors before joining in some tag-rugby matches with players of all ages.

Other attractions included an inflatable assault course, bouncy castle, giant Twister and a climbing wall.

Also joining the fun were officers from the emergency services, and mascots Sharky and Stompy the Elephant

Eraina Smith, the club’s juniors’ secretary, said: “We wanted to promote the sport to newcomers and promote what the club does. Our aim was to make it accessible for all and make the day a proper community event.

“We had a great turnout, it was a lovely day which always helps, and we think everyone enjoyed themselves. The feedback we had was excellent, which we believe was thanks to our all-inclusive ethos. We promote rugby for its fitness, discipline and inclusiveness, emphasizing anti-bullying.

“No matter what shape, size and ability you are always welcome at Bolton Rugby Club.

“We are very big on the social aspect of the club and we would like to thank all the volunteers for their invaluable help. Without them there’s no way the day would have been such a success.”

The club currently has more than 250 junior members aged from five to 18 as well as four senior teams, and a women and girls’ development squad.

For details on the club’s on and off-field activities visit pitchero.com/clubs/bolton