A POPULAR cafe is asking the public to help choose its new name.

Bolton Steps wants to unveil the new name for the Mission Cafe, in Victoria Hall, in the town centre, at its annual meeting on March 2.

Janet Knight, marketing and development officer, said: "We decided to rename it because although it's part of the Methodist church building, it's open to the general public.

"We are going to have a secret ballot and the person who picks the name we think is the best will be given a free meal with VIP treatment."

People who want to submit entries for the new name can use the suggestion box in the cafe, which is open between 10am and 2pm.

All the cafe's food is cooked by employees who have mental health problems and who receive catering training from a qualified chef and work for their food hygiene certificates. The aim is to encourage the workers to re-enter education, voluntary or paid work.

Bolton Steps is also appealing for sponsors to help pay for banners and menus with the new name, along with equipment such as aprons and hats.

Anyone who can help should call 01204 397976.