MOTORISTS will be able to park in Bolton town centre for free when the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay arrives in town.

Car owners can leave their vehicles in any council operated "surface" car park without being charged a penny for a three hour period next Tuesday.

Council chiefs announced the free parking to celebrate the arrival of the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay and thousands of people are expected to travel to the town for a huge party.

A convoy of vehicles will slowly wind its way through the town as the baton is carried by various runners to Victoria Square.

It is expected to arrive outside the town hall at about 4pm before moving on to other towns in the area. It sets off on its final leg to the City of Manchester Stadium next Thursday, to be received by the Queen when she opens the Games.

There will be three hours of family fun on Victoria Square to keep people entertained as they wait for the baton. By the time it arrives, it will have travelled 59,000 miles through 23 countries.

Free parking will run from noon on selected surface car parks across the town centre. They are: Breightmet Street, Crook Street, The Waterplace, Stanley Street South, Deane Road, King Street, Chorley Street, Pool Street South, Pool Street North, Bath Street, Falcon Street, All Saints Street East, All Saints Street West, Johnson Street West, Johnson Street East, Railway Triangle, Central Street, Folds Road and Back Cheapside.

Cllr Guy Harkin, Executive Member for the Environment, said the free parking only applied to the car parks named. It does not include on-street parking, multi-storey car parks or those run by private firms.

He said: "We want as many people as possible to be part of this event and to give the baton a real Bolton welcome."

Games ticket holders are being urged to use the park and ride facilities at Heaton Park, Manchester United's ground and Lancashire County Cricket Club at a cost of £5 per car. For more information, call 0870 6077 555.