A PROJECT which helps to keep people safe on nights out has been nominated for an award.

Bolton's Best Bar None operation is up for the 'Most Innovative Scheme' in the national Best Bar None judging.

The project involves police and the council working with bar staff to try and ensure people are safe.

The town's scheme has expanded this year to include 28 venues across the area. Since it was established in 2017, it has had some real success in reducing crime in licensed premises, but also in reducing vulnerability across the borough by introducing initiatives like Ask for Angela - where customers can subtly alert trained staff if they are feeling threatened by someone.

Bolton is now in the final stages of judging and faces competition from Barnsley, Plymouth and Torbay. The winner of the award will be announced at the House of Lords on Tuesday, February 4.

PC Andrew Vernon, Bolton’s Scheme Coordinator, said: “The continued growth of Best Bar None Bolton displays our venues’ continued commitment and dedication to the night-time economy and portrays a positive and safe vision of success by our accredited premises. We’re really proud of everything we’ve achieved in the last 12-months.

“We have introduced a number of different initiatives in the last year, including Ask for Angela and Get Home Safe, which have helped to raise awareness of the scheme, as well as promoting public safety across the borough.”

Lord Smith of Hindhead, Philip Smith, Chairman of Best Bar None, said: “It is always fantastic to see such a good turnout for our annual awards. I want to highlight the importance of commending those schemes that are doing such a wonderful job. The impact that Best Bar None has in towns and cities today - making them safer and more desirable places to go - is relevant and valuable to the entire Hospitality Industry and it is everyone on the ground who we have to thank for that.

“It is particularly encouraging to see Bolton in the finals this year. It’s a strong scheme that deserves recognition and it just goes to show that the team there are continuing to maximise their impact on the local community and maintaining strong and proactive relationships with their local authorities, that we see them here today.”