SPORT fans from Bolton are being encouraged to leave their cars behind when they go to the Commonwealth Games this summer.

Transport chiefs have unveiled a strategy which they hope will encourage people to use public transport to get to the Games.

It includes a park and ride scheme for the cycling events at Rivington when the Games take place from July 25 to August 4.

A regular network of evening and late night train, bus, and tram services will also be laid on from Manchester to stations including Bolton for people going to late night events.

Cllr Roger Jones, chairman of the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: "Enhanced public transport will be in place for sporting facilities throughout Greater Manchester, and services will be running well into the late evening."

Other plans include two park and ride sites, each with a capacity for 2,000 cars, being set up at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground and at Heaton Park.

Stagecoach Manchester will provide a high frequency shuttle bus linking key Manchester city sites with the main Games stadium and other venues.

A number of "park and walk" sites have been identified in Manchester city centre and east Manchester to ease congestion in the city.