IS your gran the best in the world?

The Bolton Evening News today launches a competition in conjunction with Bolton Council to find the Grandma of The Year.

To be eligible for nomination, grans must have done something special, kind or supportive for their own family or other people.

The finalists will be chosen by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Walter Hall, and a panel of judges.

They will be invited to the Mayor's charity luncheon at the Reebok Stadium on September 22 when the winner and three runners-up will be announced.

And the event could also have a little star quality, because the mayor has invited some special Bolton grandmas to join him, including TV presenter Vernon Kay's mum Gladys, radio DJ Sara Cox's mum Jackie, and Emmerdale actress Sammy Winward's mum Jane.

The Mayor and his wife, Sheila Hall, are both grandparents.

Cllr Hall said: "We know all these ladies have famous children but we thought it would be nice if they, as grandmas, were invited to this event.

"My wife and I are not only grandparents but have a great-granddaughter so we know the importance of the role of grandma in the family unit."

The Mayor's Charity Luncheon includes a four course lunch, table magic and a fashion show. Finalists will be invited for free, but friends and family members will need to buy tickets at £17.50.

The three runners-up will receive a piece of engraved crystal and the winner will be invited with their family and friends to a buffet reception in the Mayor's Parlour.

Six prizes are also on offer for children who send in a picture they have drawn of their grandma. The Mayor will then invite the winning children and their families to a reception in his parlour to accept their prizes.

The closing date for entries is August 20. Nomination forms and tickets for the charity luncheon are available from the Mayor's office on 01204 331057 or by e-mailing sally.hayes@bolton.gov.uk