Lofty the Lion is the official mascot of Bolton Wanderers Football Club. He first burst onto the scene in the 1995-1996 season when the Trotters first made their way into the Premiership and has remained at the club ever since.

Named after club legend Nat Lofthouse, he stands at the same height as Peter Crouch (near enough) and is a very popular figure amongst many of the Bolton Junior Whites contingent.

In 1997 he caused a national up-roaaaar when Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters claimed he incited them during a Division 1 game between the two sides at Burnden Park.

Of course these claims had no substance to them and in the same year he was voted as the best mascot in the Nationwide League by far.

A favourite with the crowd due to his Elvis Presley impressions, Lofty also stands on the touchline during each game trying to drum up support from the Reebok Stadium faitful who often in turn get him flexing his muscles.

The club has their own line of Lofty the Lion merchandise on sale and in the 2007-2008 season they produced a comic for younger fans in their official programme called Lofty's Adventures written by Katherine Bibby and illustrated by Daniel Smyth.

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