THE streets of Bolton will play host to a little extra traffic next week in the shape of a glittering chariot which will herald the opening of a new arts and culture centre.

The finishing touches are now being put on the celebrations that will accompany the opening of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Arts and Culture Centre on Deane Road which will take place on Wednesday.

The opening of the centre signal a full five days of fun which culminate on Saturday with the chariot procession through the streets.

The huge chariot, which has been crafted in the shape of a swan to symbolises universal peace, has been transformed from the carcass of an old Transit van by Bolton youngsters during their summer holidays.

Centre spokesman Lalji Khimji said it would be a site to behold.

"A lot of young people attached to the centre having been putting in their free time since the school holidays began and the chariot looks fantastic," said Mr Khimji. "It will be a fitting centrepiece to the celebrations and we would like as many people as possible to come along and see it."

The centre has already benefited from a makeover which has included Sistine Chapel-style ceiling decorations.

Mr Khimji added that the celebrations will be a truly international affair with visitors from India and America joining the carnival.

"There will be plenty of colourful things to see during the procession including boy and girl dancers," said Mr Khimji. "There will even be an Asian/Scottish pipe band in full tartan which have combined traditional Indian music with the pipes."

The procession will begin at 2.30pm on Saturday on Morris Green Lane. It will head along Derby Street onto College Way before finishing back at the new centre on Deane Road.