LOCAL travel agent St Andrews Travel has been nominated in three categories in this year's annual Agent Achievement Awards.

The Bolton company was in competition with more than 8,000 agents nationally to reach the finals.

Managing Director Andrew Dickson is delighted that his independent business has been nominated for top agent, top training and top marketing promotion.

He said he would be going to next month's final in London with his fingers crossed.

"Winning would be great, but by being one of the nominated agents we are already winners in our field," he said.

The marketing nomination follows production of a 24-page full colour publication -- St Andrews Travelnews -- in conjunction with the Bolton Evening News special publications department.

Mr Dickson said the independent sector of the industry was doing a lot better than the big multiple agents this year.

"We are currently 20 per cent up on last year's excellent figures and bookings show no sign of slowing for us," he said.

They would shortly be having a big push on late availability holidays.