BOLTON'snew Rock Czar has been charged with putting the town on the map for live music.

Paul Dean has been handed the task of cultivating a thriving music scene which will propel more talented youngsters to stardom.

The 28-year-old former lawyer is planning a series of events to showcase local bands, including a outdoor festival in the town centre next May.

Paul, from Rochdale, was chosen for the 30-hour a week job after he returned from practising law in Indiana, USA, to write for the Bolton music magazine Inaudible.

He believes it is vital the town creates opportunities for bands to play in the town to stop Manchester taking credit for Bolton artists such as Badly Drawn Boy, Damon Gough.

"It is sad that groups have to go to Manchester and Liverpool to perform just because there is nowhere in their home town for them to play," he said. "It is my job to put that right.

"A thriving rock scene would have a tremendous effect on Bolton, the night-time economy, the town centre and its image."

Paul aims to blood young bands by staging a weekly live music night every Friday at Red on the Square, Nelson Square, from October 8. He is also in talks to stage a town centre festival.

There are currently around 50 bands operating in Bolton including Breightmet's Ska-punk outfit, Minions of Jeffrey, and Badly Drawn Boy's former band Hilton, who hail from Moses Gate.

Town hall bosses created the part-time role of music and broadcast development officer, with a salary of up to £19,000, to develop links with live music and local businesses and voluntary organisations.

Cllr Martyn Cox, executive member for Culture on Bolton Council, said: "We are the first council in Greater Manchester and one of the first in the country to employ a Rock Czar.

"The rock business is a multi-billion industry which could have enormous benefits for Bolton."

THE CZAR'S FIVE HOT TIPS

Hilton. Melodic rock band from Moses Gate which - under a different name - used to feature Badly Drawn Boy, Damon Gough. Recently signed to the independent Manchester label Exceptional.

Leaf. Experimental rock trio, from Dunscar, fronted by twins Jay and Ben.

Minions of Jeffrey. Known for their energetic stage shows, this Breightmet nine-piece band produce an infectious blend of ska and punk.

Mannekin John. Popular indie band inspired by the Manic Street Preachers and U2.

Dead Letter Drop. Four-piece outfit known for their hard-core riffs and passionate vocals.

Also look out for the Capture, Billyclub, Appease, Phantom and Displacement, says Paul.

GUITAR MAN: Paul Dean wants to give local groups a big stage for their talents in Bolton, rather than see them go to cities such as Manchester and Liverpool