BOLTON shoppers will not be able to buy Commonwealth Games merchandise until the new year despite the town hosting three major events.

Specially-branded items have been on sale in Manchester for three months but the only article currently available to buy in Bolton is the Games' mascot, Kit.

Event organisers promise a full range of merchandise will be stocked at the Tourist Information Centre in Victoria Square from January, however.

Asda in Horwich -- near to Bolton Arena, host of the badminton tournament -- will begin selling items from March, as will Asda's Astley Bridge store.

It was originally thought that Bolton would have a range on sale in October. A specialised shop in the town to add to those in Manchester's Arndale Centre and the Trafford Centre has also been ruled out.

A Games spokesman said: "A dedicated shop is not planned for Bolton although several major outlets have expressed interest in selling merchandise from March."

Despite the lack of merchandise, the Tourist Information Centre in Bolton has received a steady stream of inquiries about the Games.

It has also been selling dozens of small cuddly toy versions of Kit, which a spokesman said proved the Games was of interest to Bolton people.

The range of merchandise commemorating the 10-day event which runs from July 25 to August 4, 2002 includes caps, T-shirts and polo shirts as well as badges, ties and cuddly toys.

Small sales booths will be placed at each of the 17 events allowing spectators to buy goods on site. Spectators at Rivington which hosts two cycling events will be able to benefit from this as will those at Bolton Arena.