A £200,000 upgrade to an athletics track will start next month.

The 400m running surface at Leverhulme Park, off Long Lane, Breightmet is to be brought into the 21st Century thanks to money from the council.

Executive cabinet member for culture and sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: “I am really pleased to see investment in this busy and well-used track.

“The track is in a pretty poor state, so this is much-needed. The work was originally going to start in mid-March but we decided it made sense to delay it for a few weeks due to the current weather conditions.

“It is a big job and we are working with our local clubs to help them find alternatives while the track is out of use.

“At the end of it, we will have a brilliant new facility that everyone can use for many years to come.”

Work to relay the running surface is scheduled to start in April and contractors aim to get the job done without too much disruption to the athletics club’s calendar.

It is expected the work will take a few months to complete, depending on the weather.

The track is home to athletics club Bolton Harriers, who have welcomed the investment.

Their chairman Scott Whittle said: ““We’re really pleased that we are going to get a new track.

“The work desperately needs doing and it is good news that Bolton Council has earmarked funding for this.

“The Leverhulme track is very well used and this work means it will continue to be in the future.”

The track is used by clubs and the public and is also available to hire.