TWO Olympic stars will visit Bolton School in what will be their only appearance in the North West before the London 2012 Games — and 200 tickets are still available.

Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London 2012 organising committee, and former Bolton School old boy Sir Philip Craven and president of the International Paralympic Committee, will lead the event on Tuesday, October 4.

So far, 500 places have been allocated for the ticket-only event.

Sir Philip, who represented Great Britain in wheelchair basketball, said: “I’m really looking forward to returning to Bolton School, my school where my intense interest in sport was allowed to develop.

Sir Philip lost the use of his legs after plummeting 10 metres in a rock-climbing accident in 1966 aged 16.

He said: “My experiences at school have helped formulate the principles in which I believe that sport and physical activity can prepare any member of society for a full and fun-filled life.

“It will be great to discuss the Games' legacy for the North West and, along with Seb Coe, spread the word and inspire a new generation on the true values of sport.”

At the event, four-time Olympic medalist Lord Coe, and Sir Philip will each speak about the legacy the Games will leave in Bolton.

This will be followed by a 40-minute panel discussion, which will include two aspiring young Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and questions from the audience, made up of pupils, parents, staff and members of the local community.

Bolton Council leader, Cliff Morris, said: “This is a unique opportunity for Bolton residents to speak to two key people behind the Olympics and Paralympics.”

Bolton is one of only two places in Greater Manchester and one of seven in the North West to host an evening celebration during the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay.

And the inspiration for the official Olympic and Paralympic mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville, came from Bolton steel firm Watson Steel Structures, which has supplied thousands of tonnes of steel for the Olympic stadium.

To reserve tickets for the event, contact Susan Yates at sy@boltonschool.org or call 01204 840201.