CHECKOUT staff at Golborne Asda are following in the footsteps of the successful TV comedy Are You Being Served?

But in the new initiative to combat queues, instead of shouting "I'm free" like Mr Humphries, operators will hold up signs bearing the catchphrase.

The store, which has raised £1,200 for the Indian earthquake appeal from staff and customers has a busy Tuesday ahead.

Pancake races and tossing competitions will be organised in the afternoon, while in store in the morning children from Abram Bryn Gates School will follow the strawberry trail as part of the store's "Big Eat" project on healthy eating.

Yesterday a bicycle security stamping session was organised.

ASDA is helping local schoolchildren get out and about from Monday.

As part of the company's New Year's Resolution to stand up for kids the chain has invested in seven special minibuses for teachers and schools to use.

The buses will be based at depots throughout the country and stores and schools will be able to book them to travel to store events.

Wigan's bus will be available for the use of the Leigh and Golborne stores and local schools.

Customer service manager Lesley Ashcroft said: "The minibuses should make a real difference to schools which are often unable to visit our stores.

"We have lots of fun events going on so it will be great to see the school kids joining in."