BOLTON town centre bosses say they are confident that Sunday shopping on the run-up to Christmas will be a massive hit after the success of the first big day.

It kicked off on Sunday with a festive spirit that included not only Santa but real reindeers.

Town centre manager Maria Appleton said: "Sunday went really well. There were lots of people and results just coming in are very encouraging."

Even shops that had been open on Sunday before the pre-Christmas promotion said the difference in trade was amazing, following a big newspaper and TV advertising "plug" for the town centre.

"We feel our advertising campaign, including television commercials, has really pulled in the crowds. There were many more shoppers this year compared to previous years. Car park operators report that car parking figures are up on last year.

"As a result we have had more shoppers and more sales and that can only be good news for the town centre," said Maria.

Entertainment in the town centre will be provided on most Sundays on the run-up to Christmas but it was decided to shelve next week's because it is Remembrance Sunday.

Maria said that the council's decision to introduce a £1 flat charge in council run car parks from 12.30pm was also proving a winner.

She predicted that this Sunday would be even busier than the launch Sunday because Marks & Spencer's revamped store would be open for the first time, along with the new Boots.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.