A FORMER mining town has cleared the first hurdle in trying to establish itself as an Olympic training camp.

The campaign to attract the Ukraine Olympic team to the £83m Leigh Sports Village has been given a boost by its inclusion in the official London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp Guide.

Robin Park, in Wigan, is also included.

Both venues could be used for a variety of sports and organisers hope local youngsters will be inspired to become future Olympic stars.

Culture Secretary and Leigh MP Andy Burnham came up with the idea to invite the Ukraine team after hearing about the town's historic links with the nation.

After the end of the Second World War, many slave labourers were stranded in Germany, unable to return to the Ukraine because of fear of persecution by Stalin's communist government.

Many settled in Britain and a small number went to Leigh, working in the coal mines and cotton mills.

Wigan council leader Lord Smith said: "I'm delighted by the news that our borough has two potential Olympic training venues. Our commitment to sport is second to none in Wigan and this is a real feather in the cap for the borough, the council and the leisure trust.

"Having local training camps would stimulate the economy and raise the borough's profile.

Ukraine

"When I went to the Ukraine a couple of weeks ago with Andy Burnham and Wigan sports council chairman Trevor Barton, the government there was very interested to hear about the fantastic new facilities at Leigh Sports Village and the Ukraine's historic connections with Leigh.

"Robin Park has some of the best athletics facilities in the region and its inclusion on the list is equally well merited."

Leigh Sports Village chief executive Simon Toon (pictured) said: "This is fantastic news for the whole borough. We have developed world-class facilities here at Leigh Sports Village and this will help put them under the national spotlight."

Sports Council chairman Mr Barton said: "The Olympic Games is for everyone and this is a big step towards securing some real involvement for local people in the greatest event in the cultural calendar."

Leigh Sports Village already boasts a swimming pool and athletics track, with other facilities expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

A 10,000-capacity stadium will open in the summer and will be the new home of Leigh Centurions Rugby League and Leigh RMI soccer teams.

Three venues in Warrington have also been selected for the guide.

Olympics bosses have chosen Halliwell Jones Stadium as a practice venue for football, Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Complex is included for indoor volleyball, while Victoria Park will feature for athletics training. Tweet