A HUGE banner has been put up to tell everyone that the Commonwealth Games is coming to town.

The 15 metres by 6 metres purple and yellow sign was unveiled by two men who hope to taste glory in next summer's sports extravaganza.

Top badminton players Colin Haughton and Michael Edge travelled to the town and spoke about their hopes of competing at the Bolton Arena.

The Middlebrook venue will host the badminton games and three cycling events will be staged around Rivington in July and August.

Cllr John Byrne, executive member for culture, was also on hand to help with the launch of the banner, on the front of the Laser Quest building on Bradshawgate.

He said: "Next year's Games will be the biggest sporting event to be held in the UK and Bolton will play a major part in the delivery of this event."

He added: "The people of Bolton are very proud that so many of the Commonwealth Games events are to be held in the town.

"This represents a major achievement for the borough and the legacy of the Games will attract a huge amount of interest and business to the town."

Both Michael and Colin are keeping their fingers crossed they will be picked for the badminton team next May so they can compete at the Bolton Arena.

Michael, aged 24, from Ashton-under-Lyne, said: "I think the Games will be really good for the sport. The Malaysians are the best in the world, so it will be a good test for us."

Colin, aged 29, from Denton, Manchester, has achieved a lot of success in the sport. His recent victories include the US Open in 1999 and the National Badminton Championships 2000 and 2001.

Michael, meanwhile, has eight caps for the England team and won the Irish Open and British Grand Slam in 2000.