TWO pubs in Bolton have proved they are among the best in the country after being included in the Good Pub Guide 2002.

The Black Dog at Belmont and Strawbury Duck at Entwistle have both received excellent reviews in the annual publication, which informs people of the best places to drink, eat and sleep.

The book, published today, highlights seven other pubs in and around Bolton which are worth a visit.

Roger Boardman was delighted to be included in the guide after only taking over the Strawbury Duck last November.

The proprietor of the Overshores Road pub said: "It will bring us a lot of business because people read the guide and try us out.

"I think we appear in it because we offer a wide range of beers and quality food."

The Black Dog, on Church Street, has been nominated for the last 17 years. Landlord Jim Pilkington and his wife, Helen, have been welcoming guests to their cosy pub over the years and the guide describes it as "a very friendly place that never seems to disappoint".

Other pubs mentioned in the Lucky Dip section of the publication -- which have been recommended by readers -- include the Bay Horse, at Adlington, the Wrights Arms at Belmont, the Old Man and Scythe and Spinning Mule in Bolton town centre, the Black Bull at Edgworth and the Cross Guns at Egerton.

Lancashire, which includes Greater Manchester and Liverpool in the guide, was once again said to serve the cheapest pint in the country, at £1.68. Drinkers in London have to pay 50p more.

Editor Alisdair Aird said the quality of the British pub has never been higher and proves wrong the doom merchants who said they were disappearing.

He said: "There's no shortage of truly unspoilt pubs in the Guide. A warm welcome, out of the ordinary drinks, good value food and a good deal of comfort are qualities customers have come to expect."