BUSINESSES are being asked to help Bolton Council paint the town purple and yellow -- the town's colours for this year's Commonwealth Games.

Companies are being urged to pledge support for Games sponsorship in Bolton.

The badminton events will be staged at the Bolton Arena and cycling and mountain bike events will be centred on Rivington.

Council officials are currently engaged in meetings with several Bolton-based businesses to discuss levels of involvement.

Cllr John Byrne, Executive Member for Culture, said: "This is our opportunity to put Bolton businesses on the map -- take this opportunity and count yourself in.

"As a legacy and permanent commemoration of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, every sponsor will be included on a sponsor board, receive a certificate for display in their premises, and be included on an engraved plaque to be on permanent display after the Games.

"There are numerous ways in which you can become involved and all sponsorship packages will be designed to suit your business and budget."

He added: "Sponsorship of community events like the Working Woodlands Festival, Bolton in Bloom competition, the Lantern procession, Music in the Park and Carnivals is one option.

"You may wish to include some outdoor media such as street banners, dressings and signage, billboards and buses and bus shelter advertising.

"The promotional literature includes community newsletters, Bolton's Calendar of Events, the Events programme, the Bolton Map and the Bolton Visitor Guide."

Cllr Byrne said advertising would be placed with the local and regional press and direct mail would go out to businesses and consumers.

"To support the packages, an awareness-raising campaign will be in operation and will run for five months from the Spirit of Friendship Festival on March 11 until August 10."

Further information, without obligation, is available from Nicola Brown on 01204 334072, or Ged Kelly on 01204 334156.