BOLTON did the Commonwealth proud.

That is the opinion of fans and athletes after Horwich hosted badminton at Bolton Arena and Rivington held the cycling events.

For the past nine days, the area has, along with Manchester, been the focus of attention for up to one billion people.

Most have been glued to their television sets to watch the BBC's excellent coverage.

But others were sat in one of Greater Manchester's impressive venues and those in Bolton had nothing but praise.

Ben Ayin travelled 3,000 miles from Ghana to play in the Games and he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Bolton Arena.

"It's a wonderful place," enthused the 20-year-old, who went out of the competition to the world number three.

"I very much enjoyed playing here. The conditions were very good."

Rivington was particularly heaped with praise. TV commentators called it "one of the world's finest areas" as helicopter cameras panned its breathtaking scenery. Thousands turned out for the time trials and mountain bike race with many more expected for today's road race.

Chrissy Redden, Canadian gold medallist mountain biker, said: "The course was pretty fast. It was joy to ride."

Some of Bolton's major dignitaries were out in force to watch the Games, mingling with the crowds.

Meanwhile mayor Cllr John Walsh watched cycling at Rivington. He also accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh on his trip to Bolton Arena where the pair caught a game.

Cllr Walsh said: "Bolton has done the Games proud. It was a joy to have been in Rivington for the mountain biking, watching the cyclists and seeing the huge crowd enjoying themselves."

Horwich councillor Barbara Ronson said: "The feeling that Bolton has been shown around the world is fantastic.

"We hope there will be a legacy and that it will bring people to the area for years to come."