WIGAN council's libraries are open for alien invasions or even a spin round the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

After a successful trial at Golborne Library the leisure services department has introduced state of the art games consoles at all its libraries and enlisted the help of graffiti artist Scott Winstanley, who will give the boring grey boxes a trendy, colourful paint makeover.

"The consoles are one way of getting children interested and into the libraries," said Cllr Brian Baldwin, Wigan's cabinet member for culture.

"Once they're in hopefully they will get involved in the other things we have to offer."