BOLTON is buzzing ahead of the last week of Christmas shopping — with town centre bosses reporting bumper festive trade.

Christmas shoppers as well as this year's winter wonderland event has led to people flocking into the town centre to get ready for the holidays.

This year's Bolton Christmas offering has a new feel to it, with Bolton Council creating entertainment inspired by the popular food festival.

There is also a buzz in the Market Place Shopping Centre, with the new cinema and restaurants plan continuing and new shops such as New Look and Pandora attracting shoppers.

Nikki Wilson Cooke, centre manager at the Market Place, said early indications show it is a positive time for retailers.

She said: "The retailers have been trading well, so that's really positive. People seem to leave their shopping later and later every year, so we are expecting a late rush again this year.

"The centre has a great retail offering this year, with new shops such as Pandora and Great Ale, and our gift wrapping service which raises money for Fortalice is popular as ever.

"We have our late night shopping and free parking so hopefully that is attracting people in as well this year. There is lots going on and we hope that people continue to come in and spend some money right up until Christmas."

Paula Wood, centre manager at Crompton Place shopping centre, added: “Christmas is always a really busy time for all of our stores.

“With the festive shopping season in full swing, we’ve had lots of positive feedback from our retailers and there’s great atmosphere in the shopping centre as people get ready for the holiday break.

“We’re all also looking forward to a busy Boxing Day and News Years sales period, when there will be lots of in store offers for our customers to enjoy."

Keith Davies, director of development and regeneration at Bolton Council, said that this year's winter wonderland, featuring teepee's with festive refreshments, and a huge ice rink, has proved popular.

He said: "Even though there has been some challenging weather recently, people have come out and enjoyed this year's offering.

"It is difficult to compare it to different years but speaking to traders the reaction has been very positive."