A POPULAR Bolton open mic and jam night has been named the best in the town and Greater Manchester.

Cider 'ouse Jam Nite at Ye Olde Man and Scythe pub is top of the bill, according to live music competition and supporter of talented unsigned artists, Open Mic UK ­— coming in at number one in its latest Top 10 list.

Held twice a month at the 13th century inn, the Cider 'ouse Jam Nite was recommended by Open Mic UK for its "fantastic and laidback atmosphere", "eccentric crowd of musicians", and for its historic, and some say haunted, surroundings.

Colin Liptrot, the Jam Nite's founder, said: "It's very humbling but also nice to receive recognition for all the hard work we put in to keeping the night as fun and varied as possible.

"I'd say this is a pretty huge achievement and it just goes to show that people are enjoying what we do."

Cider 'ouse Jam Nite was founded in 2011 by Mr Liptrot and Roger Bridge as a bimonthly meet-up for music lovers from across Bolton to get together, play some tunes and enjoy a few drinks on the first and third Thursday of every month.

The event has proved has proved a lasting hit, celebrating its eighth anniversary earlier this year, and every fortnight dozens of people turn up to the pub ready to rock and meet like minded individuals.

Mr Liptrot said: "Although I do "organise" the sessions, we really work as a cooperative group and I'm very grateful to everybody who comes along and mucks in.

"We have a great group of regulars and are always welcoming new faces to come along and join the Jam Nite, which has gone from strength to strength over the years.

"I'm really very proud that we can offer a fun platform for musicians and singers to perform and meet other like-minded players.

"It's also somewhere that people can come and enjoy live entertainment on a regular basis and we receive a lot of positive feedback."

Other Bolton open mic nights to feature in the list were those at The Cave in Bolton Market Place and The Buskers Ball held a Northern Monkey Brew Co. in Nelson Square ­— which came in at numbers two and four respectively.

The Cave's popular open mic night has been running for just over a year, taking place every Sunday evening, and usually ends with a jam session.

PA systems and mics are provided and all you have to do is turn up and bring or borrow and instrument.

The Buskers Ball at Northern Monkey is one of a string of open mic events in and around the town run by British Blues Award nominee Alec Martin.

Everything singer songwriters and musicians need is provided, and all you have to do is turn up on the last Sunday of the month, book a slot and play. For more details on the Cider 'ouse Jam Nite or to get involved with their next meet-up visit www.facebook.com/CiderouseJamNite/

Open Mic UK's Top 10 open mic nights in and around Bolton:

1. Cider 'ouse Jam Nite: Ye Old Man and Scythe, Churchgate. First and third Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 10.30pm.

2. The Cave, Bolton Market Place. Sundays from 7.30pm.

3. Chetham Arms, High Street, Chapeltown. Second Wednesday of every month from 8.30pm.

4. The Buskers Ball: Northern Monkey Brew Co., Nelson Square. Last Sunday of the month from 4pm.

5. The Railway Inn, Steeley Lane, Chorley. Tuesdays from 8pm.

6. The Park Inn, Worsley Road, Swinton. Every other Tuesday from 8.30pm.

7. The Oaks, Bridge Street, Ramsbottom. Second Sunday of the month from 6pm to 9pm.

8. The Bird I'th Hand, Flixton Road, Urmston. Wednesdays from 8.30pm.

9. The Rose and Crown, Cockey Moor Road, Bury. First Thursday of the month from 8pm.

10. Top Spinners, Railway Road, Adlington. Every other Thursday from 8.30pm.