BOLTON'S evening economy has been singled out as a shining example to other town centres by government chiefs.

And the town will join two other areas, Westminster and Cheltenham, to be praised in Westminster next week.

Representatives from the Bolton Townsafe Partnership Group will attend the office of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott at the House of Commons on Monday to explain the success behind the town's recent night-time policy in the town centre

Cathy Savage, Bolton Town Centre Manager, and the council's Director of Environment Ray Jefferson have been invited to London for the visit.

A Select Commitee of MPs will welcome the Bolton entourage to discuss solutions to the national problem of binge drinking and the new extended licensing laws.

They have submitted a seven page document to the committee and will attend a question and answer session.

Mrs Savage said: "It's a great honour for the town to be highlighted as one of just three other areas selected from the whole of the country.

"It's nice to know that people are aware of what we are doing and trying to achieve in Bolton."

The Bolton Townsafe Partnership Group is made up of various organisations working together to reduce anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime and to improve the image of Bolton centre.

Among the topics discussed will be the success of the town's night buses that run until 3am on Friday and Saturday.

Mrs Savage will outline the job of Bolton's three night-time ambassadors who patrol the town centre to ensure revellers have a trouble-free evening out. She said: "For example, if the ambassadors come across a young girl who has had too much to drink, they will make sure they put her in a licensed taxi.

"The aim is to make Bolton a safe and fantastic night out. Licensees are being responsible and 24 of them signed up to our scheme that encourages them and other town centre groups to work closer together."