MARKET Place in Bolton has been nominated as one of the country's leading regional shopping centres.

Judges from the Revo ACE Awards 2020 will be visiting the historic venue to run the rule over the destination.

And management will discover if the Bolton site, which dates back to 1855, has been successful during a glittering ceremony at Birmingham's Metropole Hilton Hotel on March 26.

Market Place, which will be up against the Eden Shopping Centre in Buckinghamshire and Festival Place in Basingstoke, is the only northern location to be competing in its field.

Nikki Wilson-Cook, the centre's manager, said: "We're ecstatic to have been recognised by the Revo ACE Awards and enjoyed welcoming the judges this week.

"Market Place is a jewel in the crown of Bolton town centre, boasting a nine screen cinema in The Light, Prezzo, Nandos and the Market Place Centre.

"We're proud to now be regarded as the higher fashion end of the town, with outlets such as Next, River Island, Zara, H&M, Romans, Yours, Clarks, Tessuti, JD, Footasylum and Norton Barrie open and trading every day."

Last year the centre was also celebrating after security guard and mental health first aider Paul Ogden was presented with an ACE 'Star in Action' award for his outstanding, friendly and professional behaviour.

Added Ms Wilson-Cook: "Building on the success of last year’s community involvement programme, we’ll be arranging more events for people of all ages to continue to energise the space, fundraise for local charities and attract visitors from Bolton and beyond.

"The varied and eclectic mix of smaller independent and specialist traders, coffee shops, restaurants, major brands and excellent places to eat and drink is what sets us apart and will ensure that we continue to flourish in 2020 despite the fast pace of changing shopping habits."

Bosses say the centre had a "buoyant" Christmas trading period.