THE town centre has been transformed into a hive of activity for a special week of sports.

Sport On The Square has returned this week for three days of family fun.

Boxing, gymnastics and trampolining all popped up in Victoria Square yesterday to kick off the activities and families from across the borough flocked to soak up the sun.

More unusual activities included zorbing and archery.

Yesterday saw kids out in force to enjoy events, while today will see an inclusivity day for children with disabilities, and tomorrow will be focused on health and wellbeing, featuring services to help people lose weight and stop smoking. The free event was a hit with parents as well as schoolchildren at the start of the summer holidays.

Hayley Cunningham, of Gleneagles in Ladybridge, brought her two children along on the day who were enjoying the activities provided by Bolton Gymnastics Club.

She said: "We've been coming to this event every year for the last three years. The kids have been asking to come back ever since last year.

"They don't normally get to do these sports so it's great for them to be able to try them out."

Some families were enjoying the special day of sports before heading on holiday, while those sticking in Bolton for the summer were hoping for more activities like this to keep their kids entertained.

Another parent who attended with her son and daughter, says that she is hoping to make the most of the weather and get the kids outdoors as much as possible.

She said: "We have never been down for this event before but the activities have been a really nice few hours out of the house.We're planning to do plenty of camping this summer, breaking the holiday up and getting out in the fresh air."

Louise Settle and her son Charlie, of Bankfield Street in Deane, used the activity day to shop around for sports clubs to go to over the summer.

Ms Settle said: "We were at the gymnastics tent for three hours. We're seeing what he might like to do over the summer, he really loved the football here too.

For more information, or to book tickets for any of the days, visit: bit.ly/2O6aPD9. Organisers advise that attendees should register in advance and bring their tickets.