BOLTON became the first town in the country to kick-start the countdown to Manchester's Commonwealth Games.

Children from schools across the borough gathered on the town hall steps in Victoria Square yesterday to launch a host of golden balloons into the sky.

The event marked Bolton's pledge to participate in the sporting spirit which next year's Games hopes to foster. It also marked the start of the inter-church celebration, "More than Gold".

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Kevan Helsby, said: "It is great to be able to launch the Games here in Bolton and we hope that everyone will be committed to them.

"I think Bolton has taken a lead and I am grateful for the support of everyone who has attended today. It has been a marvellous day." Rivington and Horwich play host to the mountain bike competitions and the cycling road race trials in next year's Games.

Runners from Horwich Harriers brought a special Commonwealth Games baton from Rivington and Blackrod High School to Bolton's new £15 million Arena before reaching Victoria Hall.

Bolton's top badminton player, Chris Hunt, and Sean Barber, the "Face of Bolton Arena", took turns in carrying the baton before Cllr Helsby lit a Commonwealth candle.

Crowds then packed the hall to hear children from schools across Bolton sing hymns in a "More than Gold Songs of Praise".

The More than Gold event is a Christian community initiative endorsed by Church leaders across Greater Manchester to promote a united Christian presence at the Games. The organisation's patron is triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards.

The Rev Phil Mason, Victoria Hall's superintendent minister, said: "We are honoured that Bolton will be leading the way.

"This event in Bolton is the first countdown launch prior to the national event, which is to be staged in London."