PUB managers and bar owners joined police, politicians and guests to launch a scheme designed to change people's perceptions of Bolton town centre.

Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme that ensures security, health and safety, management and training are up to scratch and venue representatives were encouraged to sign up at tonight's launch evening.

Anna Gough, general manager of Yates in Bradshawgate and vice-chairwoman of the steering group, said: "Best Bar None coming to the town is going to create one level of high standards for everybody.

"The town has gone through some highs and lows over the years and I think now all of us are working together we can make it better.

"We want to make everyone aware we have great eating places and drinking venues.

"Students from other towns with a Best Bar None scheme who come to study in Bolton will already know what it is and have confidence in it."

Confirmed participants include Yates, The Elephant and Castle, the Old Three Crowns, Oscar's Bar, The Venue Bar – which hosted the launch attended by more than 120 guests – and Level nightclub.

Bosses from at least 15 interested businesses attended the evening to learn more about the scheme from speakers including Greater Manchester's Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd, Best Bar None national project lead Mick McDonnell and Bolton police's Chief Inspector Clark Bowers.

Mr McDonnell told guests: "This is probably in the top five launches I have ever been to.

"If a scheme is successful, alcohol-related crime will go down. If crime goes down, footfall goes up and if footfall goes up, the tills ring longer. Everybody wins.

"If people have a great night out in Bolton, they will tell 10 other people that will come and have a great night out. People will travel to have a great night out."

Pubs and clubs have eight weeks to join after which an assessor visits to determine if they make the grade during a two-hour assessment examining policies, procedures and training including how staff cope with drugs, vulnerable customers and conflict.

Participating businesses get a display a plaque so customers can identify which destinations meet the requirements and six-monthly mystery shopper visits will ensure standards do not slip.

The scheme will be the only one in Greater Manchester as those in other boroughs, including the 2003 pilot in central Manchester, have fallen by the wayside.

Mr Lloyd told the crowd at the launch: "The image that Bolton has sometimes is not how we want Bolton to be and that is why making this kind of change is absolutely fundamental."